Dogge

Foo, Foo, How Much Rabbit Shit Would You Like For Your Lunch Today?

This post is about our furry companions, dogs. Personally, I'm a dog person and own three furry friends. I have a father-and-son pair of Maltese Terriers and a Maltese/Shitshu bitch. In this short post, I won't go into the evolution of the dog from the wolf or consider the genetic changes that ensured this transition. Today, I want to delve into the rarefied world of Etymology. This is not a topic that I have dealt with before, and I can truly assert I'm woefully ignorant of the subject in general.

Here Goes...

Interestingly, the derivation of the word 'Dog' is unknown. Usually, a word in any language can be traced through its common derivation from related languages. In English, we use another word for 'dog', although it is usually used in connection with specialised breeds. Hound is synonymous with 'dog', although in general usage it is reserved for hunting breeds. The word 'Hound' has a known etymology and is related to the German word 'Hund' and the Dutch word 'Hond'. 

The problem with the word 'Dog' is that it first appeared in writing during the Middle Ages, as 'Dogge'. There is no record of the word before this. This doesn't mean the word sprang fully formed from nowhere. Before it was written down, it must have been used linguistically for perhaps hundreds of years to describe that bag of fur sitting in front of the fire, gently farting. The word comes out of the linguistic void. There is no such word in related languages. From an etymological point of view, the word is an orphan. There is only one culture that uses the same word for 'dog,' and it is found in an indigenous Australian language (Mbabaram). Etymologically, there is no relationship between English and Mbabaram, and etymologists consider the usage of the same as a serendipitous coincidence.

There have been a number of theories proposed to explain why we use the word, but to my ears, none sound convincing. Unlike my usual renderings, this will be a brief post, so I won't be delving further into the various possibilities put forth. This is far better than saying: 'I can't be Arsed,' Arse. If your curiosity about the subject is insatiable/irresistible, then Google is your friend. 

Interestingly, there are other words in English that seem divorced from their linguistic origin and appear in print as if by 'Language Osmosis'. Where did they come from, and do you really care? The words 'Boy' and 'Girl' are also in this category, as are 'Hog' and 'Pig'. Mayhap, the same letter ending is a clue in this latter case. For those who may be interested, our English word 'Ferret' is derived from the Latin, 'Ferretus', which means 'Little Thief'. Anyone who has owned a ferret will understand. As an aside, my property is awash with rabbits. As I write, I can see five of the little buggers through my study window, happily munching on my lush green pasture. The grassy areas are awash, nay festooned with their small faecal pellets. My Maltese/Shitzu bitch has taken great delight in gobbling down this abundant, boundless, bunny bounty of manna on her forays unto the land. This is the same hound that will refuse the finest and most expensive kibble and, in the home environment, will only eat finely teased apart boiled chicken breast. A couple of ferrets and a good terrier would be mighty useful in these circumstances. Actually, rabbits are good eating. I have very fond memories of roast rabbit when I was a nipper. A very underestimated protein source, in my opinion.