  That Dog Won’t HuntIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "That dog won’t hunt" means something won’t work, won’t succeed, or isn’t believable. The phrase comes from hunting - a dog that won’t hunt is useless for the job. Hillbilly Dude Says...  'That dog won’t hunt' is a common one. Doesn't come up everday, but that's because failure is sporadic. Pronunciation[that DAWG wone HUHNT] Meaning & Usage- Won’t work, won’t succeed (saying)
Mae:
You think that excuse’ll fool the boss?
Earl:
other spellings: that won’t work, that won’t fly, that won’t wash, ain’t no good, and worthless excuse ★ This saying cuts quick - it’s a colorful but firm way of saying "Nope, that won’t work." ★ OriginRooted in rural hunting culture of the South and Appalachia. If a hunting dog wouldn’t do its job, it was useless. By the 1800s, the phrase was already being used figuratively for bad excuses and plans. NotesStill common in the South and Appalachia, especially among older speakers. You’ll hear it in everyday talk and even in politics as a folksy dismissal. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it plain: "That dog won’t hunt." The "won’t" usually shortens, and "hunt" may soften to "huhnt." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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