dog salmon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecializedInformal, Regional (North American), Technical (Ichthyology/Fishing)
Quick answer
What does “dog salmon” mean?
A specific Pacific salmon species (Oncorhynchus keta), also known as chum salmon, characterized by its lower commercial value and distinctive dark, dog-like teeth during spawning.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific Pacific salmon species (Oncorhynchus keta), also known as chum salmon, characterized by its lower commercial value and distinctive dark, dog-like teeth during spawning.
A colloquial name for chum salmon, often used in North American coastal communities, particularly in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. It may also refer informally to salmon of lower quality or those considered less desirable for eating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American, specifically used in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. In British English, the species is referred to almost exclusively as 'chum salmon'.
Connotations
In American usage, it can carry a slight connotation of being a lesser or 'working-class' salmon compared to king or sockeye. In British contexts, the term is largely unknown.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English; low-to-moderate frequency in specific American regional dialects connected to fishing.
Grammar
How to Use “dog salmon” in a Sentence
N of dog salmon (a run of dog salmon)Adj + dog salmon (spent dog salmon)V + dog salmon (to catch/trap dog salmon)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dog salmon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No specific verb use in British English]
American English
- The locals would often dog-salmon in the fall, though it was less prized than king fishing.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial use]
American English
- [No adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- [No common adjectival use in British English]
American English
- He had a classic dog-salmon rig set up on his boat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like seafood export or commercial fishing reports.
Academic
Used in biology, ecology, and fisheries science papers, often alongside the scientific name.
Everyday
Used conversationally in coastal communities of Alaska, Washington, and British Columbia.
Technical
Standard term in ichthyology and fishery management for Oncorhynchus keta.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dog salmon”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dog salmon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dog salmon”
- Confusing it with 'pink salmon' or 'humpback salmon'. Using it as a general term for any salmon. Capitalizing it as a proper name (Dog Salmon) unnecessarily.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially when smoked or used in recipes. It is leaner and milder than species like sockeye or king salmon.
Primarily in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest regions of North America. It is rare elsewhere.
Oncorhynchus keta.
Yes, 'chum salmon' and 'dog salmon' are common names for the same species (Oncorhynchus keta). 'Chum' is the more widely recognized commercial name.
A specific Pacific salmon species (Oncorhynchus keta), also known as chum salmon, characterized by its lower commercial value and distinctive dark, dog-like teeth during spawning.
Dog salmon is usually informal, regional (north american), technical (ichthyology/fishing) in register.
Dog salmon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡ ˈsæmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːɡ ˈsæmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a salmon with teeth so prominent they remind you of a dog's fangs — that's the dog salmon.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOW QUALITY IS FOR ANIMALS (historical use as dog food).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for the name 'dog salmon'?