doggery
Definition
- Noun:
- Dogs collectively: "doggery" refers to a group or collection of dogs, often used in a general or informal sense.
- Mean or contemptible behavior: "doggery" describes actions or conduct that is considered low, base, or characteristic of a dog, implying dishonor or degradation.
Usage Examples
- Dogs collectively:
- The farm was overrun with a noisy doggery of strays. (A group of stray dogs caused disturbance.)
- Mean behavior:
- His constant lying and cheating revealed a true doggery of character. (His actions showed base, contemptible behavior.)
Advanced Usage
- "to engage in doggery": to act in a mean or dishonorable manner.
- The politician was accused of doggery for accepting bribes. (He was criticized for corrupt, low conduct.)
Variants and Related Words
Doggy (adj): relating to or resembling a dog; also informal for a dog.
- The doggy smell in the kennel was strong. (The smell of dogs was noticeable.)
Dogged (adj): having or showing tenacity and grim persistence (note: this is unrelated to "doggery" in meaning but shares the root "dog").
- His dogged determination won him the race. (His persistent effort led to victory.)
Synonyms
- Canine: relating to dogs; a dog (formal).
- Baseness: low, mean, or contemptible quality of behavior.
- Vileness: extreme wickedness or unpleasantness.
Related Idioms
"To treat someone like a dog": to treat someone cruelly or disrespectfully.
- The boss treated his employees like dogs, giving them no breaks. (He treated them with contempt.)
"Every dog has its day": everyone will have a period of success or good fortune eventually.
- Despite his current troubles, he believes every dog has its day. (He hopes for future success.)
Notes on Usage
- "Doggery" is a rare or archaic word in modern English. It is most commonly found in older texts or in specialized contexts (e.g., referring to a kennel or a pack of dogs). Its use to describe behavior is highly informal and pejorative. The more common term for a group of dogs is "pack" or "kennel."