black dog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral to informal (metaphoric use), neutral (literal use)
Quick answer
What does “black dog” mean?
a dog with black fur.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a dog with black fur; the literal animal.
a metaphor or idiom for a state of depression or melancholy, popularized by Winston Churchill's description of his own depressive episodes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The metaphoric sense ('depression') is far more common and culturally embedded in British English. In American English, the phrase is more likely to be interpreted literally, though the metaphor is understood.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a literary, almost poetic, connotation for depression. In American English, the primary connotation is simply the color of the animal.
Frequency
High frequency for the literal sense in both varieties. The metaphoric sense has moderate frequency in UK English and low frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “black dog” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/owns/seen a black dog.The black dog [verb]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black dog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He felt the black dog begin to growl again.
American English
- The term is not used as a verb.
adjective
British English
- He was in a black-dog mood for weeks.
American English
- She has a black-dog Labrador.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except potentially in very informal, personal contexts.
Academic
Used in psychological, literary, or historical discussions (e.g., 'Churchill's "black dog" metaphor').
Everyday
Common for the literal animal. The metaphoric use is understood in personal conversations about mood.
Technical
Not a technical term. Used descriptively in veterinary contexts (literal) or pop psychology (metaphoric).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black dog”
- Using 'black dog' to mean general sadness in formal American English without context.
- Assuming the listener will understand the metaphoric meaning without prior explanation in international contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a literary metaphor or idiom, not a formal medical or psychological diagnosis.
You can, but be prepared to explain the metaphor, as it is less culturally ingrained than in the UK. It may be misunderstood as a literal reference.
It has a long history in English literature, but its modern popularity is strongly tied to descriptions of Winston Churchill's mental health.
No, the idiomatic use is almost exclusively negative, relating to melancholy or depression. The literal use is neutral.
a dog with black fur.
Black dog is usually neutral to informal (metaphoric use), neutral (literal use) in register.
Black dog: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈdɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈdɔːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The black dog is on my back (I am depressed).”
- “To be followed by the black dog.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine Winston Churchill painting a picture of a black dog to represent his gloomy moods.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEPRESSION IS A DARK, PERSISTENT ANIMAL / SADNESS IS DARK.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the phrase 'black dog' MOST commonly used as a metaphor for depression?