sea-dog

A weathered sea-dog points toward a distant storm on the horizon.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Experienced sailor: "sea-dog" refers to an old or seasoned sailor, especially one with considerable experience at sea.
   • A type of shark: In zoology, "sea-dog" can denote a dogfish, a small shark of the family Squalidae.
   • A weather phenomenon: Informally, "sea-dog" may describe a storm cloud or a rainbow-like formation (a "storm dog") that appears over the sea, often a sign of an approaching storm.

Usage Examples

• (An experienced sailor shared stories of his travels.)
• (A dogfish shark was observed in the shallow waters.)
• (A weather sign indicating an approaching storm.)

Advanced Usage

• "a salty sea-dog": a phrase emphasizing a sailor's ruggedness, often implying a weathered and tough appearance.
  • He was a salty sea-dog, with a pipe in his mouth and a scar on his cheek. (A classic image of an old, experienced sailor.)

Variants and Related Words

• Seadog (n): an alternative spelling, used interchangeably.
• Dogfish (n): a specific type of small shark sometimes called a sea-dog.

Synonyms

• Mariner: a person who navigates or assists in navigating a ship; a sailor.
• Lubber: a clumsy or inexperienced sailor (antonym to sea-dog).
• Shark: a general term for a large fish, though "dogfish" is more specific.

Related Idioms

• "Old sea-dog": a colloquial term for a veteran sailor, often with a sense of respect or nostalgia.

  • The old sea-dog taught the young crew how to tie knots. (An experienced sailor passed on knowledge.)

• "Sea-dog's tale": a story about maritime adventures, often exaggerated.

  • His sea-dog's tale about a giant squid made everyone laugh. (A sailor's exaggerated story.)