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We all know what a dog is, but where did the word “dog” come from? This simple four-letter word has been around for centuries, and its exact origin is still unknown. Some people say that it came from the Old English "docga", while others claim that it comes from the German "dachs". Here's what we know.
What Does the Word "Dog" Mean?
The word "dog" can be used in a number of different ways. Most commonly, it is used to refer to a specific type of animal, the domestic dog. However, it can also be used generically to refer to any member of the Canidae family, which includes wolves, foxes, and other carnivorous mammals.
In some cases, it may also be used colloquially to refer to a person who is considered to be disloyal and unfaithful or someone who is regarded as being less attractive. Regardless of how it is used, the word "dog" is sure to evoke a strong response in most people.
Where Did the Word Come from?
The English word "dog" is thought to be derived from the Old English word "docga," which was used to describe a powerful breed of hunting dog. The term "docga" itself may be derived from a Proto-Indo-European root word meaning "to hunt." The word "dog" can be found in many other languages, including Spanish ("perro"), French ("chien"), and German ("hund").
It is believed that the English word "dog" and the similar words in other Germanic languages are all ultimately descended from the Proto-Indo-European root word. Despite its humble origins, the word "dog" is now one of the most common words in the English language.
How Has the Meaning of the Word Changed Over Time?
The word "dog" has been used to refer to a wide variety of different animals throughout history. In the ancient world, the word was used to describe both wild and domestic canines, as well as other species such as jackals and wolves.
Over time, the meaning of the word began to shift, and by the Middle Ages, it was primarily used to refer to domestic dogs. Today, the word is most often used to describe members of the species Canis lupus familiaris, though it is still occasionally used for other species, such as foxes or coyotes.
The changing meanings of the word "dog" reflect the changing relationships between humans and canines throughout history.
Some Popular Sayings that Include the Word "Dog"
As any dog lover knows, there are countless sayings that include the word "dog." For example, there's the well-known phrase "it's a dog-eat-dog world," which is often used to describe a competitive or cutthroat environment. Then there's the phrase "going to the dogs," which is often used to describe a decline in standards or quality.
Of course, there are also many positive sayings about dogs, such as "a dog is a man's best friend" (like these three amazing Greensboro dogs). Whatever the saying, it's clear that dogs have left their paw print on our language.
References:
1. Why Is “Dog” One Of The Great Mysteries Of The English Language? - Dictionary.com
https://www.dictionary.com/e/dog/ Accessed: 2022-07-26
2. dog | Etymology, origin and meaning of dog by etymonline
https://www.etymonline.com/word/dog Accessed: 2022-07-26