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dawg

American  
[dawg, dog] / dɔg, dɒg /

noun

Slang.
  1. an informal, playful spelling of dog.

    Their doormat says, “Welcome to the dawg pound.”

    I’d let that sleeping dawg lie if I were you.

  2. guy; man; fellow; buddy (also used as a term of address).

    I don’t think so, dawg, but that’s just my opinion.

    You lucky dawg, you!


Etymology

Origin of dawg

First recorded in 1845–50, as a dialectal variant of dog ( def. ); 1930–35 dawg for def. 1; 2000–05 dawg for def. 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That signing was a deal with Top Dawg Entertainment, home to the Grammy-winning likes of SZA and Doechii and the label that launched Kendrick Lamar to superstardom.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s the dawg, right?” said Vesia.

From Los Angeles Times

Matthews has an Xbox in his hotel room and a new roommate in defensive back Brett Barry — “That’s my dawg now,” Matthews said — to learn about.

From Los Angeles Times

The song went viral, winning her a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment - the label that launched Kendrick Lamar and SZA.

From BBC

“I don’t know, dawg!” he said.

From Los Angeles Times