Definition

Noun: * An informal, affectionate, or childlike term for a dog, especially a small or pet dog.

Usage

• Informal/Endearing: Used in casual conversation or when speaking to or about a dog in a cute, friendly, or diminutive way.
• Child-Oriented: Commonly used by or with children.

Examples

• "Look at the cute little doggie in the window!"
• "My daughter loves to feed the doggie next door."
• "Come here, doggie! Good boy!"

Advanced Usage

• "Doggie bag": A bag provided by a restaurant for a customer to take home leftover food. The term humorously suggests the food is for the dog, though it is often for the person.
  • Could we get a doggie bag for the rest of this pizza, please?
• "Doggie paddle": A simple swimming stroke where the swimmer moves their hands and legs in a manner reminiscent of a dog swimming.
  • He never learned proper strokes and just does the doggie paddle.

Variants and Related Words

• Doggy (noun): An alternative, equally common spelling of "doggie."
• Puppy (noun): A young dog.
• Pooch (noun): Another informal synonym for a dog.

Synonyms

• Dog
• Pooch
• Pup/Puppy (specifically for a young dog)
• Hound (can be informal or for specific types)

Idioms and Phrases

• (To go) doggie style: A vulgar slang term for a specific sexual position. Note: This is an adult idiom and is not related to the affectionate, child-oriented use of "doggie."

Noun

1. informal terms for dogs