If you’re a fan of this site, you may already be aware of the wide range of words and phrases from African American Vernacular English (or AAVE). “Dawg” is just one example out of many.
This article concentrates on the word “dawg”. We’ll go through what the slang word means, and we’ll also touch on the origin of the word. Later, we’ll round off by discussing how to use the word through the use of typical examples, as well as listing some similar and synonymous terms.
And without further ado, let’s get straight onto it!
What’s the meaning of the slang word “dawg”?
The slang word “dawg” is simply a word for a male friend or family member, much like calling someone “man” or “dude”. It is a term of endearment that you can use for anyone you have some closeness with.
What’s the origin of the slang word “dawg”?
As mentioned earlier, the slang word “dawg” comes from the African American Vernacular English, also known as AAVE. It is a phonetic variation of the spelling of the word “dog”. The earliest known uses of the slang word “dawg” as a noun are in the 1890s, with the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) having 1898 down as its earliest recorded use.
Over the course of the years since, the slang word “dawg” gained wider recognition through its use in hip hop culture, music, and sports as well as in casual conversation among people as a term of endearment for male friends and companions alike.
How do people use the slang word “dawg” - featuring examples
The slang word “dawg” is for casual, informal use only. You should not address figures of authority or people you’ve only just met as “dawg”. You can use the word as a term of endearment, or as a casual filler word. It helps to add a more casual tone to a sentence.
Here are some whole sentence examples of the phrase in use.
- Hey, what’s up dawg? How you been?
- Yeah, sure thing dawg!
- I don’t think so, dawg, I wouldn’t do that.
- Dawg, you can’t be serious!
- Do you dig Snoop Dogg, Dawg?
What you can say in place of the slang word “dawg”
There are several different words that are similar or synonymous to the slang word “dawg” that can often be used in its place. Here are some examples you might consider using:
- Dude
- Man
- Mate
- Buddy
- Pal
- Boss
- Big man
- Chum
- Bro
- Brah
- Chap
- Bruv
- Amigo
- Fella
- Old friend
Final word
So, to sum up, the word “dawg” is a slang word that’s used as a term of endearment for a male friend or family member. The word can be used to add a more casual tone to a sentence. It’s very much like calling someone “mate”, “buddy” or “dude”.
The word comes from African American Vernacular English (or AAVE) and it dates back to at least 1898. It is derived from a phonetic spelling variation of the word “dog”.
