noun
Common
dogs
dogz
Dogs (noun) means British slang: feet, from Cockney rhyming slang ("dog's meat" = "feet"). Example: “My dogs are barking after standing all day.”
noun
1
British slang: feet, from Cockney rhyming slang ("dog's meat" = "feet").
"My dogs are barking after standing all day."
"My dogs are tired. Let's get a taxi."
"Take the weight off your dogs and sit down for a while."
"After the long hike up the hill, her dogs were aching badly."
2
Informal shorthand for greyhound racing.
"They spent Friday night at the dogs, betting on every race."
"Grandad used to take us to the dogs on Saturday evenings, where we ate hot pies."
"Do you fancy a night at the dogs, or would you rather stay in?"
How to use dogs
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSlang plural of "dog" — either "feet" or "greyhound racing," depending on context.
When to use it
Both senses are informal British slang.
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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.
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