DOGEARS Meaning and
Definition
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Dogears, also spelled as "dog-ears," is a term used to describe the act or result of folding down the corner of a page in a book, typically to mark a specific section of interest or to save one's place for later reference. This term is derived from the resemblance of the folded corner to the floppy ears of a dog.
In essence, dogears are created when a person bends or creases the upper or lower corner of a page to create a small triangular shape that protrudes out from the book. This method serves as a simple visual indicator, allowing the reader to easily return to the page without requiring any other external markers such as bookmarks or sticky notes.
Dogears have been a common practice for many years, particularly among avid readers. However, they are often frowned upon by book enthusiasts who consider this act to be a form of abuse or mistreatment of the book. Critics argue that dogears can damage the pages over time and may ultimately decrease the book's longevity and resale value.
Alternatively, some individuals view dogears as a personal touch, a sign of engagement, and an intimate interaction between the reader and the book. They argue that dogearing pages can be a convenient and quick way to locate a specific section of interest without relying on external bookmarks or markers.
Regardless of individual preference, dogearing pages remains a polarizing topic among bibliophiles, often sparking lively debates within the literary community.
Etymology of DOGEARS
The word "dogears" is a compound word derived from "dog" and "ears". Here's the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Dog: The term "dog" is derived from the Old English word "docga", which ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*dukkōn", meaning "powerful breed of dog" or "hound". The word has Germanic origins and is linguistically related to words like German "Dogge" and Old High German "togi".
2. Ears: The word "ears" is derived from the Old English word "ēare", which is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*auzōn". This word is related to various Germanic languages, such as German "Ohr", Dutch "oor", and Old Norse "eyra".
