Definition

Noun (informal): A child's word or affectionate term for a dog; a small or pet dog. It conveys a sense of cuteness, familiarity, or endearment.

Usage

The word "doggy" is used primarily in informal, spoken contexts. It is common in speech directed at or by children, or when speaking affectionately about a pet dog. It is not typically used in formal writing.

Examples

• Look at the little doggy in the window!
• My son calls every dog he sees a doggy.
• Come here, doggy! Good boy!

Advanced Usage

• "Doggy 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, even if it is not.
  • Could we get a doggy bag for the rest of this pizza, please?
• "Doggy paddle": A simple swimming stroke where the swimmer paddles with their hands and kicks with their feet, reminiscent of how a dog swims.
  • The toddler learned the doggy paddle before any other stroke.

Variants and Related Words

• Doggie: An alternative, equally common spelling of "doggy."
• Dog (noun): The standard, neutral term for the animal.
• Puppy (noun): A young dog.
• Pooch (noun, informal): Another informal synonym for dog.

Synonyms

• Pooch
• Pup (short for puppy)
• Canine (formal/biological term)

Idioms and Phrases

• Doggy style (informal/vulgar): A slang term with a specific sexual connotation. Note: This is an adult idiom and is not related to the general, affectionate meaning of "doggy."

Noun

1. informal terms for dogs