What does mean as dogs mean? - briefly
The phrase "mean as dogs" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the hunting world. It's used to describe someone who is particularly aggressive or hostile, similar to how dogs can be fierce and unyielding when pursuing prey. This colloquialism emphasizes a strong, relentless nature.
What does mean as dogs mean? - in detail
The phrase "mean as dogs" is an idiomatic expression that originates from American English and is used to describe someone who is particularly aggressive, hostile, or unpleasant. It is often employed in situations where one wishes to convey that a person's behavior is marked by an extreme lack of kindness, compassion, or civility.
To break down the phrase:
- "Mean" in this context does not refer to the statistical measure of average but rather to someone who is cruel, malicious, or unpleasant.
- The addition of "as dogs" serves to intensify and emphasize the level of aggression or hostility being described. It suggests that the person's behavior is comparable to that of a dog, which can be aggressive when provoked or protecting its territory.
The use of this phrase is not meant to be taken literally but rather as a colorful metaphor to underscore the severity and unpleasantness of someone's demeanor. It is important to note that while the phrase can be used in various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in informal or colloquial speech and may not be appropriate for more formal settings.
In summary, "mean as dogs" is a vivid and expressive way to describe someone who exhibits a high degree of unkindness or aggression.