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Dogs have been “Man’s Best Friend” for so long it’s not surprising they have influenced our culture.
Nobody knows for sure when dogs were domesticated. Scientific evidence suggests between 14,000 and 29,000 years ago in northern Eurasia. They’ve played a prominent role in our lives, from hunting and agriculture to commerce and art. Dogs have even influenced how we communicate ideas.
Take the English language, for example.
The word “dog” isn’t only used to denote a four-legged, furry canine. Here’s a few ways the word “dog” shows up in everyday speech:
- “Dog-tired” – We’ve all been so sleepy we can’t keep our eyes open. And since dogs sleep 50 percent of the day, it is a good analogy to say one is “dog-tired.” It brings to mind images of a tuckered old hound snoozing on the front porch.
- “Doggedly” – To succeed it takes determination and persistence. We admire people who “doggedly” pursue their goals. This conjures images of a tenacious terrier chasing a rat. (Many of our favorite TV detective shows feature the dogged sleuth who won’t stop until the criminal is caught. The legendary detective Columbo, the rumpled little cop who repeatedly asks “just one more thing,” to trap the murderer, epitomized how to doggedly solve a crime.
- “In the Doghouse” – We’ve all been there. It means we are in trouble. When we forget our anniversary or fail to do our chores, we find ourselves “in the doghouse” living “a dog’s life”. (Another expression for someone with an unpleasant existence.)
- “Dirty Dog” – In other words, a big jerk. We use the expression to describe a person who is detestable, untrustworthy and disloyal. Interestingly, these are the exact opposite qualities of what we admire in a good dog – loyalty and fidelity.
- “Dog-Eared” – The pages of that book we just keep reading over and over again take a lot of abuse. We often fold down the corners to mark our place, or to note a section we need to reference again. We call these “dog-ears” because that is what they look like. This is a good thing – a cherished, well-worn book is a good friend.
There are many other figures of speech that are inspired by our long relationships with dogs. They have been a powerful presence in the human experience.
Here at Pugpalooza we don’t see that “going to the dogs” anytime soon. (Oops. Sorry.)
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
Sources and Links
Dog-eared – definition of dog-eared by The Free Dictionary
dog | History, Domestication, Physical Traits, Breeds, & Facts | Britannica
