dogs
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for dogs, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — British slang: feet, from Cockney rhyming slang ("dog's meat" = "feet").
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Frequently asked questions
What does “dogs” mean?
The word “dogs” means british slang: feet, from Cockney rhyming slang ("dog's meat" = "feet"). In plain terms, slang plural of "dog" — either "feet" or "greyhound racing," depending on context.
How do you pronounce “dogs”?
“Dogs” is pronounced dogz (/dɔɡz/ in IPA).
How do you use “dogs” in a sentence?
Here is “dogs” used in a sentence: “My dogs are barking after standing all day.”
What part of speech is “dogs”?
“Dogs” is a noun.
Is “dogs” a common word?
“Dogs” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “dogs” have?
“Dogs” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: british slang: feet, from Cockney rhyming slang ("dog's meat" = "feet").
Why does "dogs" mean feet?
It comes from Cockney rhyming slang. "Dog's meat" rhymes with "feet," and, as with much rhyming slang, the rhyming word is dropped, leaving just "dogs." So "my dogs are killing me" simply means your feet are aching. The expression later became popular in America too.
How is "dogs" used to mean feet in a sentence?
It almost always appears in complaints about tired or sore feet. Classic examples are "my dogs are barking" and "my dogs are killing me," both meaning your feet hurt after standing or walking. The phrase is light-hearted and informal, never used in serious or formal writing.
Is "dogs" for feet still used today?
It survives mainly as playful, old-fashioned slang, heard more from older speakers or used for comic effect. "My dogs are barking" is still recognised on both sides of the Atlantic, but you would not use it in formal speech. Many people know the phrase without realising its Cockney origin.