English Explanatory Dictionary

dogsbody

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A person who does menial work, a servant.
  2. Alternative form of dog's body (“pease pudding”)
verb
  1. To act as a dogsbody, to do menial work

Pronunciation

/ˈdɒɡz.bɒ.dɪ/ /ˈdɔɡz.bɑ.di/ /ˈdɑɡz.bɑ.di/ en-us-dogsbody.ogg en-au-dogsbody.ogg

Word forms

dogsbody dogsbodies dogsbodying dogsbodied

Etymology

From dog + -s- + body. 1818, British navy slang (dog's body), originally derogatory reference to unappetizing pease pudding (compare dog's breakfast), as if it were made of mashed dog meat. In 20th century applied to low-ranked sailors, thence menial servants in wider usage.

Synonyms

batman grunt factotum gofer handyman jack of all trades odd job workhorse
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