What does dogginess mean?
Dogginess is an uncommon noun for the quality of being dog-like or doggish. It can refer literally to the condition or nature of being a dog, though figurative uses are more characteristic of the word. When applied to a person, dogginess is normally critical, suggesting a temperament that seems surly, hostile, aggressive, or otherwise objectionable because of its canine associations. It therefore differs from the more neutral expression “dog-like qualities” and from the often affectionate “doggy”; it tends to concentrate the less appealing connotations of “doggish.” Its usage is mainly literary and descriptive rather than everyday, so a writer may choose it to make a characterization sound pointed or sardonic. The word is normally treated as a mass noun, with plural forms appearing only rarely when distinct instances or varieties of the quality are being compared. In ordinary descriptions, “dog-like,” “doggish,” or “canine” will usually sound more natural, but dogginess is useful when the point is to name the quality as a whole.
nounThe quality or state of being a dog or behaving in a dog-like manner, especially in a way regarded as surly, hostile, or contemptible.
- The quality of being dog-like or doggish, especially behaviour perceived as surly, hostile, aggressive, or contemptible.
- The condition or nature of being a dog; canine nature.
"There is a restless watchfulness in the spaniel's face that conveys its dogginess without any overt action."
"There is a restless watchfulness in the spaniel's face that conveys its dogginess without any overt action."
"The essay uses “dogginess” critically, likening the prosecutor's conduct to that of a snarling animal."
A rare regular plural; the noun is normally uncountable and is pluralized only when distinct instances or varieties of the quality are being compared.
"The reviewer finds three distinct dogginesses in the performance."
A suffix built on “dog” gives dogginess its literary sting: it names a temperament, not merely a creature.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does dogginess come from?
Dogginess is an English formation based on dog and the suffix -ness, which expresses a quality or state. It belongs to the same native Germanic word family as dog and the historically related hound. The use of -ness also places it alongside related English formations such as doggedness and doggishness, although those words have developed distinctive meanings of their own.
How dogginess is actually used
Uncommon and somewhat literary. When applied to a person, it is usually critical, implying surliness, hostility, or otherwise objectionable dog-like behaviour. It is normally used as an uncountable noun.
Easily confused with dogginess
Dogginess denotes dog-like or objectionable canine qualities, whereas doggedness denotes persistence, determination, or stubbornness.