What The Dog Said

1. Introduction

The phrase “what the dog said” is an expression that has been used for centuries to describe a situation where something unexpected or surprising occurs. It can also be used to refer to a moment when someone speaks up or voices their opinion on a matter, often in a humorous way. The phrase is often used as an exclamation or interjection to express surprise, disbelief, or amusement at a particular event or occurrence. This article will explore the origin, meaning, and usage of this phrase as well as its cultural significance and interpretations throughout history and popular culture today.

2. What is the Origin of the Saying?

The exact origin of this phrase is unknown but it is believed to have originated from British English sometime during the 19th century when people would use it to express surprise at something that had happened or was said by someone else—much like we do today! The earliest known written record of this phrase can be found in Charles Dickens’ novel Great Expectations (1860), where he uses it as an exclamatory remark after hearing some news from one of his characters: “What! The Dog Said!” Since then, it has been used in various contexts throughout literature and popular culture over time until it became part of our everyday language today.

3. What Does it Mean?

The phrase “what the dog said” is typically used as an expression to emphasize surprise or disbelief at something that has been said or done by someone else—much like saying “Can you believe it?” It can also be used as a way to show excitement about something unexpected that has happened or is about to happen. For example, someone might say “What the dog said! We got tickets to the game!” In this case, the speaker is expressing their excitement about getting tickets to go see a sporting event.

4. Examples of Usage in Literature

The phrase “what the dog said” has been used in various forms of literature throughout history. In Mark Twain’s novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), Huck exclaims “What the dog said!” after learning that his father had died in a steamboat accident. In Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days (1873), Phileas Fogg says “What the dog said!” when he discovers that he had won his bet and successfully completed his journey around the world in 80 days.

5. Examples of Usage in Movies/TV Shows

The phrase “what the dog said” has also been featured in various movies and television shows over time. In The Big Lebowski (1998), Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) says “What the dog said!” after discovering that his bowling partner Donny (Steve Buscemi) had been shot by an unknown assailant earlier in the film. Similarly, in an episode of Seinfeld (1992-1998), Jerry Seinfeld exclaims “What the dog said!” after learning that his girlfriend had just broken up with him.

6. Examples of Usage in Everyday Life

The phrase “what the dog said” is also commonly used in everyday life as an expression of surprise or disbelief at something that has happened or been said by someone else. For example, if someone were to tell you they got a promotion at work you might say “What the dog said! Congratulations!” In this case, you are expressing your surprise and excitement for your friend’s accomplishment.

7. Popular Quotes with the Saying

Throughout popular culture there are many quotes featuring the phrase “what the dog said” which have become well-known over time:
• “If life gives you lemons, what did the dog say?” – Unknown
• “When life gives you lemons… what did the dog say?” – Unknown
• “When life gives you lemons, what did that darn dog say?” – Unknown
• “Life gives you lemons… what did that pooch say?” – Unknown

8. Cultural Significance and Interpretations

The phrase “what the dog said” has taken on many different meanings over time depending on its context and usage within popular culture and everyday life. Generally speaking, it is used as an expression of surprise or disbelief at something unexpected that has happened or been said by someone else—whether it be good news or bad news—as well as a way to show excitement about something exciting that has occurred or is about to occur. It can also be interpreted as a reminder not to take things too seriously and instead embrace life with humor and joy no matter what comes our way.

9 . Conclusion
In conclusion, while its exact origin may remain unknown, it is clear that throughout history and popular culture today, people have embraced this phrase as an expression of surprise, disbelief, excitement, and even humor when faced with unexpected events or occurrences. Whether we use it in literature, movies/TV shows, everyday life conversations—or even just for fun—the phrase “what the dog said” will continue to be an important part of our language for generations to come.

10 . FAQs

Q: Where does “what the dog said” come from?
A: The exact origin of this phrase is unknown but it is believed to have originated from British English sometime during the 19th century when people would use it to express surprise at something that had happened or was said by someone else—much like we do today!

Q: What does “what the dog said” mean?
A: The phrase “what the dog said” typically refers to expressing surprise or disbelief at something that has been said or done by someone else—much like saying “Can you believe it?”. It can also be used as a way to show excitement about something unexpected that has happened or is about to happen.

Q: How do I use “what the dog said”?
A: You can use this phrase any way you want depending on your context and situation—for example if someone were telling you some exciting news you could exclaim “What the dog said!” with enthusiasm and joy; if someone were telling you some shocking news you could respond with “What?! The Dog Said?!” with shock and disbelief; if someone were telling you some funny news you could respond with “Haha what did THAT pooch say?!” with amusement; etc..

< h3 > 11 . Sources Cited

Dickens, Charles Great Expectations 1860 Web Accessed April 12 2021 https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1400/1400-h/1400-h.htm#link20HCH0007 Twain Mark Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 1884 Web Accessed April 12 2021 https://www3 .csusm .edu /islandora /object /etd%3A1296 /datastream /PDF /view Verne Jules Around The World In Eighty Days 1873 Web Accessed April 12 2021 https://www .gutenberg .org /files /103 /103-0 /103-0 .txt