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.

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

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.

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

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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.

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