The idiom “(as) sick as a dog” is often used to describe someone who is extremely ill, particularly when experiencing nausea or vomiting. This colorful phrase has become a common way to express severe sickness in English. Let’s explore its meaning, usage, and origins to deepen your understanding.
Meaning of “(as) sick as a dog“
The phrase “(as) sick as a dog” conveys the idea of being:
- Extremely Unwell: Feeling very ill, often with symptoms of nausea or vomiting.
- Incapable: Too sick to participate in normal activities.
Examples:
“Sally was as sick as a dog after eating that spoiled seafood.”
“The flu hit our household hard; everyone was sick as dogs for days.”
Examples of usage in sentences
“After the roller coaster ride, she felt sick as a dog and had to sit down.”
“Mark was as sick as a dog all weekend after catching a nasty stomach bug.”
“The food poisoning made him sick as a dog; he couldn’t leave the bathroom for hours.”
Origin of “(as) sick as a dog“
The idiom dates back to the 17th century, a time when dogs were often seen as dirty or prone to illness. The phrase likely reflects the association of dogs with undesirable conditions, such as eating spoiled food and becoming sick. Over time, the phrase evolved into a figurative expression for severe illness in humans.
Synonyms for “(as) sick as a dog“
Here are some alternative phrases to express extreme sickness:
- Under the weather
- Feeling green around the gills
- Sick to one’s stomach
- Down with a bug
- As ill as can be
How to use “(as) sick as a dog“
In everyday conversations
“I couldn’t make it to work yesterday—I was sick as a dog.“
“After eating that questionable sushi, I felt as sick as a dog.“
In writing or storytelling
“The protagonist, sick as a dog, battled through his illness to save the day.”
“After the long voyage, the sailors were sick as dogs, struggling to regain their strength.”
