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dog's life. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
dog's life, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
dog's life in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
dog's life you have here. The definition of the word
dog's life will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
dog's life, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
First use appears c. 1528. See cite below.
Pronunciation
Noun
dog's life (plural dogs' lives)
- (idiomatic) A miserable, wretched existence.
1528, J. Strype, Fox Manuscripts, page 174:Mr. Ford afterwards had a dogs life among them.
- (idiomatic) A life of indolence where the individual may do as they please, just like a pampered dog.
Usage notes
- Most often expressed as it's a dog's life or to lead a dog's life.
- Originally the term referred to the hard life of the working dog: sleeping in a damp barn, chasing rats and other intruders, living on scraps, etc. Today, however, it has in some circles acquired the completely opposite connotation indicated in the second sense.
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