Hangdog means looking ashamed, sad, or embarrassed. It is often used to describe someone’s face or expression when they seem guilty, defeated, or worried.
People use hangdog in everyday English to describe someone who looks downcast after making a mistake or getting into trouble. It is usually a descriptive word, not something people say every day in casual conversation.
Meaning & Usage
You might hear it in writing or storytelling, such as “a hangdog expression” or “he looked hangdog.” It suggests a person seems sorry, ashamed, or lacking confidence.
Examples
She gave him a hangdog look after breaking the vase.
He walked in with a hangdog expression after losing the game.
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 pitying. It describes someone who looks sad, embarrassed, or defeated.
Can “hangdog” describe animals?
Yes. It can describe a dog or another animal that looks sad, droopy, or guilty.
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