dogging it
Slacking off or moving half-speed when you ought to be working.
Also called doggin' it, dog it.
Updated September 21, 2026
dogging it pronunciation
/DAWG-in it/
Meaning
Means you are not putting your full back into the job. Bosses use it when somebody is loafing. Folks also say it about themselves on a slow day, when the fence posts go up late and the coffee keeps winning. It can be lazy on purpose, or just worn out and dragging.
How folks use it
- “Quit dogging it and finish stacking that hay before dark.”
- “I ain't gonna lie, I been dogging it all morning since that truck broke down.”
Origin and etymology
American slang from around 1900, first big in sports talk. Early newspaper use had racehorses and ballplayers "dogging it" when they hung back or quit trying. The idea stuck and spread to ordinary work. Rural Southern talk kept it for chores, shop floors, and anybody half-stepping through a job.
Frequently asked questions
Does dogging it always mean somebody is lazy on purpose?
No. Sometimes it just means you are moving slow or doing a weak job, tired or not. Intent is optional. The result still looks slack.