Hangdog
adjective
Looking ashamed or guilty.
The boy gave a hangdog look when his mother asked about the broken vase.
Often appears as...
- hangdog look
- hangdog expression
noun
A person who looks ashamed or guilty.
He stood up and confessed, a true hangdog in front of the entire class.
Often appears as...
- the hangdog of
- a hangdog in
adjective
Looking ashamed or guilty.
The boy gave a hangdog look when his mother asked about the broken vase.
Often appears as...
- hangdog look
- hangdog expression
noun
A person who looks ashamed or guilty.
He stood up and confessed, a true hangdog in front of the entire class.
Often appears as...
- the hangdog of
- a hangdog in
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Describes a deep sense of personal shame or guilt, not just general embarrassment.
After being caught lying, she had a hangdog look.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Formality
Used in informal settings; too casual for formal reports or serious discussions.
His hangdog appearance at the informal gathering was noticeable.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Observations
Often suggests the person feels they've let someone down or disappointed them.
His hangdog expression spoke volumes about his regret.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Describes a deep sense of personal shame or guilt, not just general embarrassment.
After being caught lying, she had a hangdog look.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Formality
Used in informal settings; too casual for formal reports or serious discussions.
His hangdog appearance at the informal gathering was noticeable.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Observations
Often suggests the person feels they've let someone down or disappointed them.
His hangdog expression spoke volumes about his regret.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Describes a deep sense of personal shame or guilt, not just general embarrassment.
After being caught lying, she had a hangdog look.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Formality
Used in informal settings; too casual for formal reports or serious discussions.
His hangdog appearance at the informal gathering was noticeable.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Observations
Often suggests the person feels they've let someone down or disappointed them.
His hangdog expression spoke volumes about his regret.
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Video examples
Life of an astronaut -...
the budget was in bad shape, so you can imagine there were three very, very sad hangdog guys moping around the office because we lost our flight to the moon. But, several weeks later, I got a call from Tom Stafford, the Senior Astronaut at that time, and he wanted me in his office, and I went in, and he told me that he was sorry
Video examples
Life of an astronaut -...
the budget was in bad shape, so you can imagine there were three very, very sad hangdog guys moping around the office because we lost our flight to the moon. But, several weeks later, I got a call from Tom Stafford, the Senior Astronaut at that time, and he wanted me in his office, and I went in, and he told me that he was sorry
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Sylvester Stallone
American Actor
With a lot of comedians, one of their major attributes is that they look comedic, with a certain hangdog or manic expression. I look like the neighborhood bully. That doesn't elicit laughter.
Quote examples
Louis C. K.
American Comedian
I spend enough time onscreen looking hangdog and depressed.
Quote examples
Sylvester Stallone
American Actor
With a lot of comedians, one of their major attributes is that they look comedic, with a certain hangdog or manic expression. I look like the neighborhood bully. That doesn't elicit laughter.
Quote examples
Louis C. K.
American Comedian
I spend enough time onscreen looking hangdog and depressed.
Example 1 of 2
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