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Permanent link for this word: hangdog

Jan 16, 2002

This week's theme
Words to describe people

This week's words
opsimath
hellkite
hangdog
winebibber
cruciverbalist

“Words are the small change of thought.” ~Jules Renard
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hangdog

adjective: 1. Defeated; dejected 2. Shamefaced.

[From the notion that the said person deserved to be hanged like a dog. Yes, not too long ago, dogs were hanged for crimes, such as biting.]

"Outplacement experts offer these three pieces of advice to holiday job seekers. First, don't stand around the chip dip looking hangdog; someone with a positive self-image makes a much better impression on potential employers. Second, don't come right out and ask for a job; use the parties to arrange future meetings with friends or new acquaintances. Third, don't drink so much that you start crying in your suds."
Karen Slater; Firm Touts a New Holiday Bonus: Pink Slips Right Before Christmas; The Wall Street Journal (New York); Nov 23, 1984.

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