hangdog
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhæŋˌdɔɡ/
KK: /hæŋˌdɔg/
adjective
Definition
Feeling sad or guilty, often with a downcast expression.
Example
He had a hangdog look after forgetting his friend's birthday.
Conversation
Why do you look so hangdog today?
I just got some bad news about my job application.
I'm sorry to hear that; I can see why you'd feel hangdog.
Thanks, I appreciate your understanding. I'll bounce back.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dejected
guilty
shamefaced
Antonyms
proud
confident
unashamed
noun
Definition
A person who is sneaky, dishonest, or morally bad.
Example
He was known as a hangdog, always trying to cheat others.
Conversation
Did you hear about that guy who cheated in the game last week?
Yeah, what a hangdog move!
I can't believe he thought he could get away with it.
Root Explanation
Hangdog is formed from "hang" (from Old English "hangian", meaning to suspend or be suspended) and "dog" (from Old English "docga", meaning a dog or a powerful breed of dog). The term originally referred to a dog that was hanged or suspended, and it evolved to describe a person who appears dejected or guilty, as if they were hanging their head in shame.
Memory Tip
Think of a dog that looks sad and is 'suspended' in its demeanor — that's why 'hangdog' describes someone who appears guilty or dejected.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.