doss house: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (C2+)Informal, dated; potentially offensive if describing someone's actual living conditions.
Quick answer
What does “doss house” mean?
A very cheap, basic lodging house for people who are homeless or have very little money, typically offering just a shared space to sleep.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very cheap, basic lodging house for people who are homeless or have very little money, typically offering just a shared space to sleep.
Refers to any place that is very cheap, temporary, and of extremely poor quality. By extension, can describe a messy, untidy, or squalid living space.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is primarily British/Irish. The concept exists in the US but lacks a single, equally common slang equivalent. US speakers might not recognize the term.
Connotations
In British usage, it evokes historical images of urban poverty, especially from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. In modern use, it is quite dated.
Frequency
Low frequency in modern UK English, largely historical or literary. Very rare to non-existent in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “doss house” in a Sentence
He lived in a doss house.The city had several doss houses for the homeless.It was little better than a doss house.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doss house” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He used to doss down in that old house near the docks.
American English
- (Not used; 'crash' or 'flop' would be used instead.)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable.)
American English
- (Not applicable.)
adjective
British English
- (Derived: doss-house conditions)
American English
- (Not used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical/sociological texts discussing poverty and housing.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used metaphorically ('This flat's a bit of a doss house!') to describe untidiness.
Technical
Not used in legal or official contexts; 'homeless shelter' or 'emergency accommodation' are the technical terms.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doss house”
- Using it to describe any cheap hotel.
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Assuming it is a current, widely understood term.
- Spelling as 'doss-house' (hyphenated variant exists but is less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and can be considered offensive or demeaning if used to describe someone's actual living situation, as it strongly implies poverty and low social standing.
Yes, but only metaphorically and informally among friends (e.g., 'Your room's a proper doss house!'). It's humorous exaggeration, not a literal description.
A hostel is an official, often budget-friendly accommodation for travellers or workers. A doss house historically referred to the cheapest, most basic form of shelter, often last-resort accommodation with minimal facilities, primarily for the destitute.
Yes, in British slang. 'To doss' means to laze about or avoid work. 'A doss' can mean an easy task or a period of lazing. 'To doss down' means to sleep in a makeshift bed.
A very cheap, basic lodging house for people who are homeless or have very little money, typically offering just a shared space to sleep.
Doss house is usually informal, dated; potentially offensive if describing someone's actual living conditions. in register.
Doss house: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒs haʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːs haʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(not) a penny for a doss house bed (rare, implying extreme poverty)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DOSS' sounds like 'does nothing' – a place where you just 'doss down' (sleep) with no comforts.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DOSS HOUSE IS A CONTAINER FOR THE DISPOSSESSED.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a close American equivalent of 'doss house'?