Pronunciation: [pˌʊt ɒnðə dˈɒɡ] (IPA) 
"Put on the dog" is an idiomatic expression that means to wear elegant or fancy clothing to impress others. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as [pʊt ɒn ðə dɒɡ]. The first part of the phrase, "put on," is pronounced with the short "u" sound as in "book." The second part, "the dog," is pronounced with the schwa sound in the first syllable and a voiced "g" at the end.
"Put on the dog" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the United States during the early 20th century. This phrase is commonly used to describe an action or behavior where someone makes a deliberate effort to appear more sophisticated, extravagant, or impressive than they typically are. It often involves an attempt to enhance one's social status or demonstrate a higher level of refinement.
This phrase draws its origins from the world of dog shows, where it was common for participants to adorn their dogs with various accessories and decorations to make them look more appealing and impressive to the judges and spectators. By extension, "put on the dog" came to symbolize the act of putting on a façade or adopting a grandiose and extravagant appearance.
When someone is said to be "putting on the dog," it means they are exaggerating their social status, flaunting their wealth, or acting more elegantly and sophisticatedly than they typically do. It often involves wearing expensive clothing, using refined language, or hosting lavish events to create an impression of higher social standing.
This phrase is most commonly used in informal contexts to express criticism or sarcasm towards individuals who are perceived as pretending to be more affluent or sophisticated than they truly are. It serves as a reminder to remain authentic and genuine rather than attempting to impress or deceive others through ostentatious displays.
