- Meaning
- This idiom describes being in trouble, disfavor, or facing disapproval, often due to a mistake or offense, typically within a personal relationship or social group. It evokes the image of being banished to a doghouse, a place of shame or punishment, suggesting temporary ostracism or reprimand. The phrase is used in domestic, workplace, or social contexts to convey a state of being ‘out of favor,’ carrying a humorous or mildly sympathetic tone. It reflects cultural dynamics of accountability and forgiveness, particularly in intimate or hierarchical settings, where minor missteps lead to short-term consequences. The idiom often implies that reconciliation is possible but requires effort, such as an apology or amends, and captures the playful yet poignant nature of social penalties within close-knit groups.
- Origin
- The phrase likely emerged in early 20th-century America, rooted in the domestic imagery of sending a misbehaving dog to its outdoor kennel, a common punishment in households. Its earliest documented use appears in a 1926 *Chicago Tribune* article, describing a husband ‘in the doghouse’ for forgetting an anniversary. The idiom gained traction during the 1930s, reflecting gendered humor in marriage, as seen in James Thurber’s *The New Yorker* cartoons, which often depicted spousal dynamics. Its use was amplified by the 1911 novel *Peter Pan* by J.M. Barrie, where the dog Nana’s kennel inspired the term, though not the exact phrase. By the mid-20th century, it was widely used in American and British English, spreading through radio, film, and sitcoms like *I Love Lucy*, which popularized domestic slang. The phrase’s vivid imagery, blending humor with relational tension, and its adaptability to various contexts ensured its enduring popularity, particularly in English-speaking cultures with strong traditions of colloquial expression.
- Variants
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- In the doghouse
- Sent to the doghouse
- In the dog house
- Out in the doghouse
- Examples
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- He’s in the doghouse after forgetting their wedding anniversary dinner.
- Sent to the doghouse, she had to apologize for missing the team meeting.
- In the dog house with her friends, she regretted spreading that rumor.
- Out in the doghouse, he bought flowers to make amends with his partner.
- The intern is in the doghouse for sending the wrong files to the client.
- In the doghouse with the boss, he’s working overtime to regain trust.
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