doggy bag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “doggy bag” mean?
A bag or container provided by a restaurant for a customer to take home leftover food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bag or container provided by a restaurant for a customer to take home leftover food.
Any container used for taking leftover food home, whether from a restaurant or social gathering. The term sometimes extends metaphorically to taking anything leftover or saved for later.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but originated and is more established in American English. Some UK restaurants may use the term more self-consciously or offer 'takeaway containers'.
Connotations
In AmE, a normal, unremarkable part of restaurant service. In BrE, can still sound slightly Americanised or informal.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English. British usage is increasing but less common than 'takeaway box' or 'container'.
Grammar
How to Use “doggy bag” in a Sentence
VERB + doggy bag (ask for/get/request)PREP + doggy bag (in/into a doggy bag)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doggy bag” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to doggy-bag the rest of the roast.
American English
- Can you doggy-bag this for me, please?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In restaurant management or hospitality, referring to standard customer service.
Academic
Rare, except in cultural studies discussing dining habits or euphemisms.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about dining out.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “doggy bag”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “doggy bag”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doggy bag”
- Using 'dog bag' (incorrect form).
- Capitalising it as a proper noun.
- Assuming it's only for American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a standard and accepted request in most restaurants, especially in the US. It is seen as practical.
Absolutely not. The term is purely conventional; the food is for human consumption later.
A 'doggy bag' is specifically for leftovers from a meal eaten on the premises. A 'takeaway box' is for food ordered to be taken away and eaten elsewhere from the start.
Yes, informally (e.g., 'Let's doggy-bag the rest'). This is more common in American English.
A bag or container provided by a restaurant for a customer to take home leftover food.
Doggy bag is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Doggy bag: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡi ˌbæɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːɡi ˌbæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bag it up”
- “wrap it to go”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOG + BAG: Imagine a cartoon dog happily carrying a little bag of bones from a restaurant.
Conceptual Metaphor
LINGERING VALUE / RESOURCE CONSERVATION (waste not, want not).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely origin of the term 'doggy bag'?