Put on the Dog: When Flashiness Rules the Roost
Put on the dog, to - To put on a showy display. The term originated in America around the time of the Civil War, but its ultimate origin has been lost. At least one writer believes it came from the custom of the newly wealthy to display their prosperity by keeping extravagantly pampered pets. In any event, Lyman H. Bagg catalogued it as college slang in his Four Years at Yale (ca. 1869), in which he wrote, “To put on the dog is to make a flashy display, to cut a swell.”
Related and Similar Phrases:
- Dressed to the nines: Wearing very fancy or stylish clothing.
- All dolled up: Beautifully and fashionably dressed.
- Cut a swath: To attract attention by being flamboyant or stylish.
- Live high off the hog: To live in great comfort and luxury.
Synonyms: Flaunt, show off, parade, strut
Antonyms: Downplay, conceal, demure
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Some people get so caught up in putting on the dog, they forget what it’s like to wag the tail.” – Beverly Ritz-Humorist
- “Why wear one sequin when you can wear a thousand? Life’s too short for subtlety.” – Fred Fashionista
Proverbs and References:
- “Pride comes before a fall.” – Proverb, warning against the perils of hubris.
- “All that glitters is not gold.” – Shakespeare, cautioning against deceptive appearances.
Recommended Literature, Music, and Movies:
- Literature: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – The epitome of ostentatious living. Observe Gatsby “putting on the dog” at his sumptuous parties.
- Music: “Fancy” by Reba McEntire – An anthem of stepping out in style and making an entrance.
- Movies: The Devil Wears Prada – A film that brilliantly showcases the world of high fashion and wealth display.
### Which of these expressions means the same as "put on the dog"?
- [x] Dressed to the nines
- [ ] Barking up the wrong tree
- [ ] Let the cat out of the bag
- [ ] The elephant in the room
> **Explanation:** "Dressed to the nines" is synonymous with putting on an impressive display, usually through clothing or fashion. The others relate to different idiomatic contexts.
### What era did "put on the dog" originate from?
- [ ] Victorian Era
- [x] Civil War Era
- [ ] Renaissance
- [ ] Medieval Times
> **Explanation:** "Put on the dog" originated around the Civil War era, specifically in America.
### True or False: "Cut a swath" means the same as "put on the dog."
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! "Cut a swath" means to attract attention by being stylish and showy, similar to "putting on the dog."
### Which famous novel depicts characters often "putting on the dog" with lavish parties?
- [ ] 1984
- [ ] Pride and Prejudice
- [ ] Moby Dick
- [x] The Great Gatsby
> **Explanation:** *The Great Gatsby* by F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for its extravagant parties and displays of wealth, perfect examples of "putting on the dog."
### Which of these is NOT about displaying wealth or style?
- [ ] Live high off the hog
- [ ] All dolled up
- [x] Black sheep of the family
- [ ] Putting on airs
> **Explanation:** "Black sheep of the family" refers to a family member who is considered an outcast or does not fit in. The others all relate to displaying wealth or style.
Farewell Thought:
Remember, dressing to impress is all well and good, but never let the glitter of the exterior overshadow the true sparkle of your character.
Love and light, Penelope Phrasemaster
