- 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, as if banished to a doghouse as a form of punishment. It conveys a state of temporary ostracism or reprimand, often used in domestic, workplace, or social contexts to express being ‘out of favor,’ carrying a humorous or mildly sympathetic tone. The phrase reflects cultural dynamics of accountability and forgiveness, particularly in intimate or hierarchical settings, where minor missteps lead to short-term consequences. It resonates in scenarios of relational tension, capturing the playful yet poignant nature of social penalties, and its canine imagery adds a layer of lighthearted domesticity, evoking a pet’s banishment. The idiom often implies that reconciliation is possible with effort, making it a relatable metaphor for navigating minor conflicts.
- 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 household punishment, as noted in family anecdotes. Its earliest recorded use appears in a 1926 *Chicago Tribune* article, describing a husband ‘in the dog house’ for forgetting an anniversary. The idiom gained traction in the 1930s, reflecting gendered humor in marriage, as seen in James Thurber’s *The New Yorker* cartoons, which depict spousal dynamics. Its use was influenced by J.M. Barrie’s 1911 novel *Peter Pan*, where the dog Nana’s kennel inspired similar imagery, though not the exact phrase. The phrase’s adoption was amplified by 20th-century media, notably in sitcoms like *I Love Lucy* (1950s), which popularized domestic slang. Its spread to British and Commonwealth English came through American influence, and its vivid imagery, blending humor with relational tension, and its applicability to disfavor ensured its enduring use across English-speaking cultures, from family squabbles to workplace dynamics.
- Variants
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- In the Dog House
- In the doghouse
- Sent to the doghouse
- Out in the doghouse
- Examples
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- He’s in the dog house for forgetting their anniversary dinner.
- In the doghouse, she apologized for missing the deadline.
- Sent to the doghouse, he regretted his careless comment.
- Out in the doghouse, they groveled after the prank backfired.
- In the dog house, the intern botched the client presentation.
- In the doghouse, he’s making amends for the mix-up.
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