Pronunciation: [dˈɒɡ wˈi͡əɹi] (IPA) 
The phrase "dog weary" is spelled as it sounds, with no irregularities. It is pronounced as [dawg-weer-ee], with the stress on the second syllable. "Dog weary" is an idiom that means to be extremely tired, as if one has been working or running like a dog all day. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-1800s. It is still commonly used today to describe a state of exhaustion.
Dog weary is an idiomatic phrase that refers to extreme fatigue or exhaustion. The term is derived from the expression "dog-tired," which similarly connotes weariness. When someone is dog weary, they are utterly drained, both physically and mentally, resembling the exhaustion frequently exhibited by dogs after long periods of physical activity or exertion.
The phrase implies a deep and profound state of tiredness, often resulting from exertion or prolonged activity. A person who is dog weary may have experienced an intense workload, engaged in strenuous physical activity, or endured prolonged periods of stress or anxiety. This weariness can be characterized by a feeling of complete exhaustion, with the individual's energy reserves fully depleted.
The term "dog weary" can also express a sense of being mentally exhausted. It suggests a depletion of emotional energy and can often occur as a result of facing repeated challenges, experiencing personal setbacks, or enduring extended periods of mental strain.
The use of the adjective "dog" in this phrase helps to emphasize the severity of exhaustion, drawing a comparison to the well-known image of a tired and lethargic dog. Overall, dog weary encapsulates a state of profound weariness, signifying extreme exhaustion, either physically, mentally, or both.
The term "dog weary" is actually a combination of two separate words, "dog" and "weary".
- "Dog" originated from the Old English word "docga", which referred to a specific breed of dog. Over time, the term expanded to include dogs in general. The Old English word has Germanic roots, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "dukkǭ". This term likely originated from onomatopoeia, imitating the sound of a dog's bark.
- "Weary" comes from the Old English word "wērig", which meant exhausted or tired. Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*wairgaz", meaning pain or sorrow. The word has also influenced other Germanic languages, such as German "wehrlos" (defenseless) and Dutch "weerloos" (defenseless).
