hangdog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hangdog" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who looks sad, guilty, or dejected, often conveying a sense of shame or remorse. Example: "After forgetting their anniversary, he wore a hangdog expression all evening, clearly regretting his mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's been a lot of personnel turnover at the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad recently, but even if Herzog wasn't keen to sign up for a full-time gig alongside Dennis Waterman, Denis Lawson and Nicholas Lyndhurst, the writers could still try and simulate some of that Nordic noir magic by sending the hangdog plod squad to Europe.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is unfortunate, but appropriate, given his world-weary, hangdog demeanour, that one of his last films was titled The Sad Sack.

The Guardian - Film

Yet at second glance, the run-down hangdog air epitomises the disappointment of the past 20 years.

The Economist

Rather like the hangdog American comedian, Rodney Dangerfield, he seems to be fretting that "I don't get no respect".Many Europeans also want a new agreement, on the ground that it might help to overcome recent difficulties with Russia*.

The Economist

It was a giddy elevation for the son of a schoolmaster from a southern village which was "desperately poor and with a hangdog air when you get past its whitewash and its ornamental pots of basil," wrote David Holden in "Greece Without Columns".

The Economist

The Italian Job was noted for its witty script and ingratiating performances, particularly by Caine and Noël Coward, whose hangdog expression and ever-present sophistication make for one of the most memorable crime bosses in screen history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He looked more hangdog than Droopy lolloping around the Old Course that he not once but twice brought to its knees.

Independent

Their reaction was at times hangdog and negative.

Independent

It should have been a night that was dominated by Hazard whose first season as a £32m player at Chelsea has not quite worked out as he would have wished, but inevitably you could not help but wonder at Torres' latest collections of misses, stumbles and general hangdog disposition.

Independent

The 74-year-old Congressman from Texas, with his skinny frame and his hangdog face, is about as unlikely a poster child for the future of the Republican party as you are likely to find, but his ideas have struck chords with libertarian-minded college kids.

Independent

Rea's sadly hopeful face, with its wide range of hangdog expressions, fits him perfectly for the part, but this opening section of the film never quite hits its stride.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hangdog" to vividly describe a person's appearance or demeanor when they are feeling ashamed, guilty, or dejected. This word choice enhances the impact of the description.

Common error

Avoid using "hangdog" simply to describe sadness. It specifically implies a sense of guilt or shame in addition to unhappiness.

Linguistic Context

Adjective: The word "hangdog" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a particular expression or demeanor. It is most commonly used to depict a look of guilt, shame, or dejection, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hangdog" is an adjective used to describe a person's expression or demeanor when they appear ashamed, guilty, or dejected. It’s considered grammatically correct and is frequently used in reputable sources, particularly in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word typically describes someone looking sad, guilty, or dejected, often conveying a sense of shame or remorse. When using "hangdog", ensure that the context aligns with its specific implication of guilt or shame, rather than simple sadness. Common synonyms include "downcast", "dejected" and "shamefaced".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downcast

Refers more directly to a lowered gaze or general sadness.

dejected

Emphasizes a feeling of disappointment and lowered spirits.

crestfallen

Suggests a feeling of disappointment and sadness, often after a setback.

dispirited

Conveys a loss of enthusiasm or morale.

morose

Implies a sullen and ill-tempered demeanor.

glum

Indicates a gloomy and depressed mood.

woebegone

Suggests a look of great sorrow or distress.

shamefaced

Highlights the feeling of shame or embarrassment.

contrite

Emphasizes a feeling of remorse and the desire to make amends.

penitent

Indicates a feeling of regret for one's sins or wrongdoings.

FAQs

How can I use "hangdog" in a sentence?

You can use "hangdog" to describe a person's expression or demeanor when they appear ashamed, guilty, or dejected. For example, "He had a "hangdog look" after he broke the vase."

What does "hangdog" mean?

"Hangdog" describes someone with a dejected, guilty, or ashamed expression. It often suggests a sense of low self-worth or a feeling of having done something wrong.

What are some synonyms for "hangdog"?

Synonyms for "hangdog" include "downcast", "dejected", "shamefaced", and "morose". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hangdog" a formal or informal word?

"Hangdog" is generally considered a neutral word, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the specific situation and desired tone than on the formality level.