Currents April 2019 April 2019_Currents web | Page 18

18
April 2019
Currents
By: Dr. Joanie McConnell
Cats And Dogs
Cats and dogs are undoubt-
edly the most popular pets in the
West. They play an important
role in our lives as well as in our
speech. So let’s look at the lin-
guistic contributions that our
canine and feline friends have
made to the English language.
Since I am a dog lover, please
excuse me if I start with canine
expressions.
Traditional wisdom reminds us
that a dog is man’s best friend –
perhaps to avoid being accused
of linguistic sexism, I should have
substituted person for man. Expe-
rienced sailors like to be called
sea dogs.
Despite these positive expres-
sions, dogs generally don’t fare
so well in English. If you let other
people control you, then you may
be labeled a lap dog. Uncouth
individuals are often described as
yard dogs. If you’re sad or, worse
still, guilty, you definitely have a
hangdog expression.
When things or neighborhoods
begin to deteriorate, they are
really going to the dogs. Don't try
to steal your friend’s “special
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