black dog
- Noun (chiefly British, informal):
- A state of depression or melancholy: "black dog" refers to a period of low mood, sadness, or despondency, often used metaphorically to describe a persistent feeling of gloom.
- A fit of anger or irritability: In some contexts, it can denote a sudden outburst of temper or sulkiness.
Noun (depression):
- He has been struggling with the black dog for months. (He has been dealing with a prolonged period of depression.)
- The black dog seems to follow her wherever she goes. (Her melancholy mood persists regardless of circumstances.)
Noun (anger):
- She is in a black dog today and won't speak to anyone. (She is feeling irritable and sulky.)
"to have the black dog on one's shoulder": to be in a state of depression or to be haunted by gloomy thoughts.
- Ever since the accident, he has had the black dog on his shoulder. (He has been persistently depressed.)
"to chase away the black dog": to try to overcome depression or lift one's spirits.
- She goes for long walks to chase away the black dog. (She uses physical activity to combat her low mood.)
Black-dogged (adj, rare): characterized by a gloomy or angry mood.
- He had a black-dogged expression after the argument. (His face showed a sullen, irritated look.)
Black-doggery (n, rare): the state or quality of being depressed or irritable.
- His black-doggery made him difficult to live with. (His persistent bad mood created tension.)
- Melancholy: a deep, persistent sadness.
- Despondency: a state of low spirits from loss of hope or courage.
- Sulks: a fit of silent, ill-tempered moodiness.
The black dog is on one's back: an alternative expression meaning to be afflicted by depression.
- The black dog is on his back since he lost his job. (He is severely depressed.)
To give someone the black dog: to make someone angry or depressed.
- Her harsh words gave him the black dog for the rest of the day. (Her words caused him to become moody.)
The phrase "black dog" is famously associated with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who used it to describe his own recurring bouts of depression. It is not a literal animal but a vivid metaphor for a psychological state.