yellow dog
Noun (chiefly US, informal, historical): - A contemptible or cowardly person: "Yellow dog" refers to a person regarded as base, despicable, or lacking in courage or moral integrity. The term often implies someone who is willing to act in a servile or dishonourable way.
- (A person regarded as contemptible due to disloyalty.)
- (A symbol of a base or cowardly individual.)
"Yellow dog contract": A historical term for an employment agreement in which a worker promised not to join a labor union. The term derives from the negative connotation of "yellow dog" as something despised or untrustworthy.
- Many workers were forced to sign yellow dog contracts to keep their jobs. (Agreements prohibiting union membership.)
"Yellow dog Democrat": A historical term for a voter in the Southern United States who would vote for any Democratic Party candidate, even a "yellow dog," rather than a Republican. This usage emphasizes extreme party loyalty.
- In the early 20th century, many voters were yellow dog Democrats. (Loyalists who would support any Democrat.)
- Yellow-dog (adj): used as a modifier to describe something associated with cowardice or contemptibility.
- The yellow-dog attitude of the manager angered the employees. (A cowardly or dishonourable attitude.)
- Coward: a person who lacks courage.
- Scoundrel: a dishonest or unscrupulous person.
- Cur: a worthless or contemptible person (also a derogatory term for a dog).
"To turn yellow dog": to become cowardly or betray one's principles.
- He turned yellow dog when he refused to stand up for his beliefs. (He acted in a cowardly or dishonourable way.)
"Not worth a yellow dog": of little or no value.
- That promise is not worth a yellow dog. (The promise is worthless or unreliable.)