Pronunciation: [dˈɒɡz ˈi͡ə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "dogs ear" can be a bit confusing. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /dɒɡz ɪə/. The use of the letter "s" in the word dogs is pronounced as a "z" sound due to the following letter "e". The word "ear" is spelled as expected with the use of the letter "e" and a silent "h". Despite its unusual spelling, "dogs ear" is a common phrase used to describe something that is messy or disorganized.
A "dog's ear" refers to the folded or creased corner of a page in a book or document, typically caused by folding the edge of the page over to mark a specific section or to serve as a makeshift bookmark. Similar in appearance to the shape of a dog's ear, this action is often done to easily identify or return to a certain page of interest without using a conventional bookmark. The result is a small triangular or semicircular shape formed at the upper corner of the page.
The term "dog's ear" can also be used metaphorically to describe the physical wear and tear or damage inflicted on a book due to extensive use or mishandling. This may include creases, tears, or worn-out edges that resemble the appearance of a dog's ear.
Furthermore, the phrase "dog's ear" is sometimes utilized figuratively to describe something that is messy, disorganized, or tattered in appearance. It can refer to the untidy state of clothes, objects, or even a person's appearance, implying a lack of proper care or attention to detail.
The mention of a "dog's ear" is often associated with a sense of informality or casualness, as using the corner of a page as a bookmark signifies a practical and impromptu method rather than the conventional use of an actual bookmark.
The phrase "dog's ear" has a couple of different possible etymologies, depending on the context in which it is used.
1. In terms of the literal meaning of a dog's ear: The term might have originated from the appearance or shape of a dog's ear, which tends to be floppy and crinkled. It could have been extended metaphorically to describe something that is similarly crinkled or folded, such as a page corner that has been folded over to mark a place in a book. This usage eventually gave rise to the phrase "dog-ear".
2. In terms of the idiomatic expression "in a dog's ear" or "up a dog's ear": This phrase originated in Australian slang and is used to express disbelief, refusal, or rejection of an idea.
