in the doghouse

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in the doghouse (idiom)
/ɪn ðə ˈdɔɡˌhaʊs/

Meaning

1. Regarded with disfavor, especially due to a mistake or wrongdoing.
2. Considered to be in trouble with someone, usually a partner or superior.
3. Experiencing temporary disapproval or low status within a relationship.
4. Seen as deserving punishment, blame, or a cold shoulder.
5. Out of favor because of a specific action or failure.
6. Treated with annoyance or resentment, often silently.

Example Sentences

1. After forgetting our anniversary, Tom was in the doghouse all weekend.
2. She’s in the doghouse at work for missing that important deadline.
3. That boy in the doghouse has been trying to win back his parents’ trust after sneaking out last night.
4. He landed in the doghouse when he accidentally deleted the report.
5. I knew I was in the doghouse when she didn’t return my calls.
6. They’re in the doghouse with their coach for skipping practice.
7. He got himself in the doghouse for spending too much on gadgets again.

Origin and History

Literal Origins: The Doghouse as a Symbol of Disfavor

The term “doghouse” has been part of the English language since at least the mid-1500s, referring to a shelter for dogs. In the late 19th century, the term evolved to describe the backyard structure for a single dog. The figurative use of “in the doghouse,” meaning to be in temporary disgrace, emerged by 1932.

The Peter Pan Association: A Misattributed Origin

A popular belief links the idiom to J.M. Barrie’s 1911 novel Peter and Wendy, where Mr. Darling, feeling guilty for his children’s disappearance, consigns himself to the dog’s kennel. However, the term “doghouse” is not used in the text; instead, the British term “kennel” appears. Given that “doghouse” is chiefly an American term, it’s unlikely that this scene directly inspired the idiom.

Earliest Printed Record: Winsor McCay’s Comic Strip

The earliest known printed use of “in the doghouse” in its idiomatic sense appears in Winsor McCay’s comic strip Dream of the Rarebit Fiend between 1904 and 1905. This predates the 1926 glossary Criminalese by J.J. Finerty, which defines “in dog house” as “in disfavor.

Maritime Theory: Sailors’ Punishment Quarters

Another theory suggests that the idiom originated in the 19th century when sailors slept in small huts on a ship’s deck, referred to as “dog houses.” Punished sailors were made to sleep in these cramped, uncomfortable spaces, leading to the association of “being in the doghouse” with being in trouble.

Slave Trade Theory: Disputed Origins

A less substantiated theory posits that during the transatlantic slave trade, crew members slept in kennel-style huts on the ship’s deck due to space constraints below deck. These uncomfortable accommodations were referred to as “dog houses,” and being assigned to them was seen as a form of punishment. However, this theory lacks credible historical evidence and is generally considered speculative.

Cultural Adoption and Usage

The idiom gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in domestic contexts. Its usage peaked around 1942, as indicated by Google’s Ngram viewer, and has since declined. The phrase has been featured in various songs, including Buddy Jones’s 1939 track and Brenda Lee’s rendition in the Dick Tracy movie.

Synonyms

1. out of favor
2. in trouble
3. on thin ice
4. in disgrace

Variants

• in the dog house
• get sent to the doghouse
• be put in the doghouse
• land in the doghouse
• that boy in the doghouse

About the Author

Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.

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