doggish

doggish

A doggish man barks at the mail carrier.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Resembling or characteristic of a dog: "doggish" describes qualities or behaviors that are typical of dogs, such as loyalty, aggression, or a coarse manner.
    • Surly or ill-tempered: Used to describe a person who is grumpy, irritable, or disagreeable in a way reminiscent of a snarling dog.
    • Mean or contemptible: In some contexts, "doggish" can imply a low, base, or ungenerous nature, akin to canine behavior perceived as aggressive or greedy.
Usage Examples

  • Resembling a dog:

    • His doggish loyalty to his friends was unwavering. (He showed the faithful, devoted nature of a dog.)
    • She had a doggish appetite, devouring her food quickly. (She ate with the eager, unrestrained manner of a dog.)

  • Surly or ill-tempered:

    • After a long day, he became doggish and snapped at everyone. (He grew irritable and short-tempered.)

  • Mean or contemptible:

    • The doggish treatment of the prisoners shocked the visitors. (The harsh, cruel behavior was like that of a snarling dog.)
Advanced Usage

  • "doggish humor": coarse, crude, or vulgar jokes reminiscent of canine behavior.

    • His doggish humor offended the refined guests. (His jokes were crude and low-class.)

  • "doggish persistence": stubborn, relentless pursuit, like a dog chasing a scent.

    • Her doggish persistence in negotiations eventually paid off. (She refused to give up, much like a determined dog.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Doggishness (n): the quality of being dog-like, surly, or mean.

    • The doggishness of his remarks revealed his bad mood. (His irritable nature was evident in his words.)

  • Doggish (adv): in a manner resembling a dog.

    • He growled doggishly at the interruption. (He reacted in a surly, canine way.)
Synonyms
  • Canine: having the qualities of a dog.
  • Surly: bad-tempered and unfriendly.
  • Churlish: rude and mean in behavior.
  • Gruff: rough and throaty in manner, like a growling dog.
Related Idioms

  • "To have a doggish attitude": to behave in a surly or aggressive way.

    • His doggish attitude made him unpopular at work. (His irritable and uncooperative behavior caused problems.)

  • "Doggish and devilish": an old expression implying mean, low, or contemptible behavior.

    • The villain's doggish and devilish schemes were finally exposed. (His cruel and base plans were revealed.)