Hangdog
/ˈhæŋˌdɔɡ/noun
Having a shamefaced, guilty, or dejected appearance.
Did you know?The word began as a literal insult for a contemptible or beaten-down person, and its grim, drooping vibe stuck so strongly that it became a permanent adjective.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
hangian
“to hang, dangle, or be suspended”
Old English
OE
docga
“a dog”
14th-16th Century
English
hang-dog
“a contemptible or cowardly person, especially one with a shifty or shamefaced look”
17th Century
English
hangdog
“dejected, abject, or guilty in appearance or manner”
Modern English
English
hangdog
“having a shamefaced, sullen, or guilty look”