Did your roommate make a terrible mess of the apartment while you were gone? You could describe this dreadful state as "a dog's breakfast". This post delves into the meaning and origin of this British expression — and shows you how to put it into action.
Meaning
The British phrase "a dog's breakfast" means a jumbled mess, a disorganized state of things, or an unfortunate combination of elements.
It originated during a time when people would feed their dogs random scraps and leftovers.
Example Usage
Before you try using the phase "a dog's breakfast" yourself, it might be helpful to get a better feel for the way in which this British expression is used. Take a look at these examples:
- "Jill's essay was a dog's breakfast. She didn't stay on topic and the text didn't have any logical progression."
- "Oh, you can't come over to my place. I just moved in two days ago and it's still a dog's breakfast in there."
- "My opponent's political arguments are as coherent as a dog's breakfast. I suggest you vote for me."
Origin
The expression "a dog's breakfast" originated in nineteenth-century England.
One early example can be found in the London-based paper The Referee. It called a play "a dog's breakfast" in a 1878 review, specifying that the play had plenty of great material, but it was packed into too short a time frame. The result was a disjointed mess.
The precise origin of the phrase isn't clear, but it is important to note that the time during which it first emerged predates commercial dog food. People used to feed their dogs leftovers from last night's dinner and other food items they happened to have on hand for breakfast.
When you envision this, it is clear that a dog's breakfast was indeed a jumbled mess.
In modern times, the saying "a dog's breakfast" continues to mainly be used in the UK. It serves as an informal or slang expression, but may occasionally be seen in newspapers.
"A dog's breakfast" creates a powerful visualization that induces instant disgust if you truly consider it. That remains true during a time when dogs eat kibble for breakfast; just imagine eating it yourself to understand.
The fact that the phrase "a dog's breakfast" induces a visceral reaction likely explains why it remains in use more than a century after its inception.
Phrases Similar to a Dog's Breakfast
- The most similar phrase is "a dog's dinner". This can be used to describe a mess as well, but is more often used to describe overly flashy outfits that simply don't look very smart.
- The British expression "a dog's bollocks" has an entirely different meaning. Like "the bee's knees", it means "wonderful".
Phrases Opposite to a Dog's Breakfast
A dog's breakfast is a jumbled and disorganized mess. The opposite would be "very tidy" or "very well organized". You could say:
- Spic and span — meaning very clean and tidy.
- Spotless
- Immaculate
What Is the Correct Saying?
The correct saying is "a dog's breakfast". It means "very disorganized" or "terribly messy".
Ways People May Say a Dog's Breakfast Incorrectly
People who have heard the expression "a dog's breakfast" may understand that it means "something revolting" from context. The actual meaning is more specific — the thing you are referring to has to be messy or disorganized as well.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase A Dog's Breakfast
You can use the phrase "a dog's breakfast", among other things, to refer to:
- Messy and disorganized homes
- Shoddy work
- Someone's fashion choice
- Someone's argument
You can also say that someone “made a dog’s breakfast” (mess) of something.
Know that not everyone understands the expression. This phrase is primarily used in the UK. If you're looking for a saying that allows people to visualize the mess you're talking about, "a dog's breakfast" is effective, as long as your audience knows what it means.