fuck the dog

fuck the dog

English

Etymology

1935, US;[1] originally in sense “loaf, fritter” (compare fuck around).

Verb

fuck the dog

1. (vulgar, uncommon, Canada) To avoid work; to make it appear as if one is working.
2. (vulgar, uncommon) To make a horrible or catastrophic mistake; to screw the pooch.

Derived terms

• screw the pooch

References

1. ‘A Reporter Said “Screw the Pooch” on Face the Nation. Where Does That Phrase Come From?’, by Ben Zimmer, Slate, Jan. 14 2014