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

It is when we have to deal with the "Bottom Dog" that we ignore the facts which plead so strongly in his defence.

From Project Gutenberg

The little horse in the horse-race, sah—the bottom dog in the dog-fight, sah.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dark horse
• longshot