Hangdog means looking ashamed, guilty, or sad in a way that others can easily notice. It is often used to describe a person’s expression, especially when they seem embarrassed or defeated.
People use “hangdog” in everyday English to describe someone who looks down, sorry, or uncomfortable after doing something wrong. It is usually a negative or pitying word, and it often appears in phrases like “a hangdog look” or “a hangdog expression.”
Meaning & Usage
You can use hangdog when someone looks as if they feel bad about something. For example, a child who broke a vase might stand there with a hangdog expression, not saying much and looking ashamed.
Examples
• He gave me a hangdog look after missing the meeting.
• She walked in with a hangdog expression, knowing she was late again.
• The dog had a hangdog face, as if it knew it had done something wrong.
Is “hangdog” positive or negative?
It is usually negative or sad in tone. It suggests shame, guilt, or defeat.
Can “hangdog” describe animals?
Yes, people often use it for dogs too, especially when they look sad or guilty.
Is “hangdog” common in daily speech?
It is understandable and natural, but a bit old-fashioned. People use it more in writing or descriptive speech than in casual conversation.
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