doggy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, colloquial, child-directed speech, sometimes playful or affectionate.
Quick answer
What does “doggy” mean?
A child's word for a dog.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A child's word for a dog; a small or pet dog.
Used as a term of endearment for a dog; also refers to a style of sexual position (doggy style); can be used as a playful or affectionate term for a person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Both use 'doggy bag' (UK also says 'doggy bag' or 'bag for leftovers'). The sexual connotation is understood in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with children's language and pet ownership. Can sound childish if used by adults in non-affectionate contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties in informal contexts. Slightly more prevalent in UK English in compound 'doggy-doo' (dog excrement).
Grammar
How to Use “doggy” in a Sentence
[child] sees a doggy[owner] calls their doggyDo the doggy paddleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doggy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He doggied the ball across the garden. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- The toddler doggied after the cat. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- She has a very doggy smell about her after the walk.
- It's a bit doggy in this park with all the mess.
American English
- His car had a doggy odor from transporting the pet.
- That's a doggy-looking mutt.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except informally in phrases like 'I'll get a doggy bag for the rest of my lunch.'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal contexts, especially with children or pet owners: 'Look at the cute doggy!' 'Shall we get a doggy bag?'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts (e.g., veterinary science uses 'canine', 'dog').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doggy”
- Using 'doggy' in formal writing.
- Overusing 'doggy' as an adult in non-affectionate speech, which can sound immature.
- Confusing 'doggy bag' (for food) with a bag for a dog.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's often used for any dog, especially by children or when speaking affectionately, though it can imply perceived smallness or cuteness.
No, it's a standard and polite request in both the UK and US. It's an accepted idiom.
Yes, informally, to mean 'characteristic of or resembling a dog', e.g., 'a doggy smell', 'doggy enthusiasm'.
'Puppy' specifically denotes a young dog. 'Doggy' is a general, affectionate term for a dog of any age, though it is child-like and often implies the speaker finds the dog cute or small.
A child's word for a dog.
Doggy is usually informal, colloquial, child-directed speech, sometimes playful or affectionate. in register.
Doggy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːɡi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “doggy bag (container for restaurant leftovers)”
- “doggy paddle (swimming stroke)”
- “doggy style (vulgar slang for a sexual position)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a small, waggly dog that goes 'dog-gy, dog-gy' with its tail.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION IS SMALLNESS (using a diminutive form to express fondness).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'doggy' be LEAST appropriate?