bottom dog

noun

1. underdog.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bottom dog¹

First recorded in 1880–85; by analogy with top dog

Example Sentences

The proposal is, however, a proposal to ameliorate the bottom dog, and the human bottom dog is poorly represented in the great inquest of the nation.

From Project Gutenberg

I’m keeping my eyes open, but you mustn’t be too zealous in our Service, Prior, or you’re bound to come out bottom dog.

From Project Gutenberg

You’ve got the bulge on me, and I’m the bottom dog this time.

From Project Gutenberg

It pleased her to think that she was patting the bottom dog's head.

From Project Gutenberg

"I think that you are most astonishingly clumsy," said the small maiden, scrambling up with an offended190 air, and not even saying "Thank you" to Billykins for having been bottom dog for the moment.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dark horse
• longshot