What does it mean when a dog is said to have "kicked the bucket"? - briefly
"Kicking the bucket" is an idiomatic expression that means dying or being dead. When applied to a dog, it signifies that the animal has passed away.
What does it mean when a dog is said to have "kicked the bucket"? - in detail
The phrase "kicked the bucket" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the early 18th century, and its exact origins are debated among linguists. In contemporary usage, this phrase means that someone has died. When applied to a dog or any other living being, it signifies that they have passed away.
The idiom is believed to have several possible historical explanations. One theory suggests that the term derives from the practice of slaughtering pigs by hanging them upside down and striking their heads against a bucket to stun them before killing them. Another theory proposes that it comes from the nautical world, where sailors would use a block and tackle system to hoist heavy objects, such as buckets filled with water. If a sailor died at sea, his body might be hoisted in a similar manner using a rope tied around the feet, giving the impression that he "kicked" the bucket as it was lifted.
Regardless of its origin, the phrase has evolved into a common euphemism for death across various cultures and languages. When someone says a dog has "kicked the bucket," they are using a more casual and less direct way to convey that the dog has died. This can be seen as a means of softening the emotional impact of discussing death, especially in everyday conversation.
In summary, when a dog is said to have "kicked the bucket," it means that the dog has passed away. The phrase is an idiomatic way of expressing this event, drawing from historical practices and offering a more casual alternative to direct language about mortality.