In a Dog’s Age

In Southern and Appalachian speech, in a dog’s age means "in a very long time" - a colorful way to say you haven’t done or seen something for ages.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #Time #OldTimers #Southern

synonyms: in a long time, ages, forever and a day

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've only read 'dog’s age,' never heard it in real life. I've got to assume it's more regional and old timers.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've only read 'dog’s age,' never heard it in real life. I've got to assume it's more regional and old timers.

Pronunciation

[DAWGS-ayj] /ˈdɔːɡz eɪdʒ/

Meaning & Usage

- In a very long time (saying/adverbial phrase)

Willie:

How you been? Ain’t seen you in a dog’s age.

Loretta:

Feels like forever!

variations: in a dog’s age, ain’t seen you in a dog’s age, not in a dog’s age

★ Southerners and Appalachians use "in a dog’s age" as a homegrown variant of "in a coon’s age" - both meaning it’s been a long time. ★

Origin and Etymology

An old rural American expression based on the lifespan of a dog. Appeared in newspapers and oral histories of the 19th and early 20th century, especially in the South and Appalachia, likely influenced by the concept of "dog years" meaning a long stretch of time.

Usage Notes

In a dog’s age - means a very long time since something happened ("I haven’t been fishing in a dog’s age.")
Serves as a regional variant or companion to "in a coon’s age."
Used mostly among older speakers and in rural communities; not common nationwide.
Often shows up in greetings, anecdotes, or small talk when reconnecting after a long absence.
Part of the Southern/ Appalachian tradition of comparing time spans to animals ("in a coon’s age," "in a dog’s age").

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What does "in a dog’s age" mean?

It’s a Southern/Appalachian way to say "in a very long time."

Does "dog’s age" mean the same thing as "coon’s age"?

Yes - both are colorful expressions for a long period of time.

Is it still used today?

It’s much less common now, but still recognized among older Southerners and Appalachians.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 25). In a Dog’s Age. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/in-a-dogs-age
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "In a Dog’s Age." HillbillySlang.com, 25 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/in-a-dogs-age.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "In a Dog’s Age." HillbillySlang.com. September 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/in-a-dogs-age.

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