DOSS Meaning and
Definition
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Doss is a verb that is primarily used in British English slang to mean sleeping or lodging in a crude or makeshift manner, often in a disreputable place or under unfavorable conditions. It could also refer to a temporary or rough sleeping arrangement, typically made by lying down on the floor or a improvised bed. The term is commonly associated with individuals who are homeless, vagrant, or living in extreme poverty.
The word "doss" can also be a noun, referring to a place where one sleeps or an improvised bedspread or mattress. It is often used to emphasize the simplicity or low quality of the sleeping arrangements.
The origins of the term "doss" are uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged around the late 18th century or early 19th century, possibly derived from the Romani language, in which "dush" means sleep. It became popular among various social groups, including soldiers, sailors, and those living in slums, and gradually entered the broader slang lexicon.
In contemporary usage, "dossing" or "to doss" can also be employed more broadly to describe lazing about or engaging in leisurely activities in a relaxed or carefree manner. It may imply a lack of ambition or motivation.
Overall, doss is a versatile term that primarily signifies sleeping or lodging in a makeshift manner, usually under poor or deprived conditions.
Common Misspellings for DOSS
Etymology of DOSS
The word "doss" originated in the early 19th century and has its roots in British slang. Its precise etymology is uncertain, but there are a few theories about its origins.
1. Doss House Theory: One theory suggests that "doss" is derived from the term "doss house", which referred to cheap, run-down lodging houses or establishments providing cheap accommodations to the working class or homeless individuals. It is believed that "doss" evolved from this term and came to represent a place to sleep or rest.
2. Romani Language Theory: Another possible origin of "doss" is the Romani language, which is spoken by the Romani people. "Dosh" or "doš" in Romani means "bed" or "rest". It is possible that this word entered the British slang vocabulary and later transformed into "doss".
Idioms with the word DOSS
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doss down
The idiom "doss down" means to find a place to sleep, typically in a casual or temporary manner. It can refer to sleeping in a simple or makeshift bed, or simply finding a spot to lie down and rest for a short period of time.
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doss around
The idiom "doss around" means to waste time or be lazy, particularly by doing unimportant or trivial activities without purpose or productivity.
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doss about
The idiom "doss about" refers to engaging in aimless or unproductive activities, typically with a sense of laziness or wasting time. It implies not taking anything seriously and simply passing the time without purpose or achievement.
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doss down (for sm time)
The idiom "doss down (for some time)" means to find a place to sleep or rest for a certain period of time. It implies temporarily settling down in a particular spot, often with the connotation of it being a simple or makeshift arrangement.
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doss down (for some time)
The idiom "doss down (for some time)" typically refers to the act of temporarily sleeping or resting in a casual or makeshift manner. It implies finding a place to lie down or sleep, often in a haphazard or improvised manner, for a certain duration of time. It is generally associated with a short or brief period of rest rather than a long-term arrangement.
Similar spelling words for DOSS
- dogy,
- dossey,
- douse,
- doc,
- dose,
- dog,
- doxy,
- dos,
- DoJC,
- dowse,
- dosch,
- doze,
- DOIG,
- Doug,
- doke,
- doge,
- dock,
- DoJ,
- dozy.
Conjugate verb Doss
CONDITIONAL
I
would doss
you
would doss
he/she/it
would doss
we
would doss
they
would doss
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be dossing
you
would be dossing
he/she/it
would be dossing
we
would be dossing
they
would be dossing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have doss
you
would have doss
he/she/it
would have doss
we
would have doss
they
would have doss
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been dossing
you
would have been dossing
he/she/it
would have been dossing
we
would have been dossing
they
would have been dossing
FUTURE
I
will doss
you
will doss
he/she/it
will doss
we
will doss
they
will doss
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be dossing
you
will be dossing
he/she/it
will be dossing
we
will be dossing
they
will be dossing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have dossed
you
will have dossed
he/she/it
will have dossed
we
will have dossed
they
will have dossed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been dossing
you
will have been dossing
he/she/it
will have been dossing
we
will have been dossing
they
will have been dossing
IMPERATIVE
you
doss
we
let´s doss
to doss
PAST
I
dossed
you
dossed
he/she/it
dossed
we
dossed
they
dossed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was dossing
you
were dossing
he/she/it
was dossing
we
were dossing
they
were dossing
PAST PARTICIPLE
dossed
PAST PERFECT
I
had dossed
you
had dossed
he/she/it
had dossed
we
had dossed
they
had dossed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been dossing
you
had been dossing
he/she/it
had been dossing
we
had been dossing
they
had been dossing
PRESENT
I
doss
you
doss
he/she/it
dosses
we
doss
they
doss
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am dossing
you
are dossing
he/she/it
is dossing
we
are dossing
they
are dossing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
dossing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have dossed
you
have dossed
he/she/it
has dossed
we
have dossed
they
have dossed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been dossing
you
have been dossing
he/she/it
has been dossing
we
have been dossing
they
have been dossing
I
would have dossed
we
would have dossed
you
would have dossed
he/she/it
would have dossed
they
would have dossed
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