Meaning of "hangdog" in English

"Hangdog" is an adjective used to describe someone appearing guilty, ashamed, or downcast, often with their head lowered and eyes looking downward. It conveys a sense of embarrassment or self-awareness of wrongdoing. The term originally referred to someone deserving the punishment reserved for a dog and has since evolved into a description of a sullen or crestfallen demeanor. The hangdog expression is often associated with people who have been caught in the act of wrongdoing or who are feeling remorseful about their actions.

Meaning of "hangdog" in French

In French, "hangdog" translates to "d'air penaud" or "d'air honteux," both of which describe a demeanor characterized by guilt or embarrassment. The expression refers to someone whose appearance or facial expression communicates shame or self-reproach. While the word "hangdog" itself is not typically used in French, these translations effectively convey the subdued and sheepish sentiment of the English term. The concept is consistent across both languages, representing a visual expression of inward regret or discomfort.

Pronunciation of "hangdog" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈhæŋˌdɔːɡ/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "hangdog" is generally consistent across different English-speaking regions. However, there may be slight variations between American and British English, particularly in the vowel sounds. In American English, the 'a' in "hang" may sound slightly flatter.

Pronunciation of "hangdog" in French

Phonetic Transcription: The French equivalent, like "d'air penaud," would be pronounced as /d‿ɛʁ pə.no/.

Pronunciation Variations: Pronunciation remains fairly standard across French-speaking regions, with minor variations in regional accents. The term captures the same nuance of shame or guilt within the French pronunciation.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. His hangdog expression showed he was clearly guilty. (Son air penaud montrait clairement qu'il était coupable.)
  2. She walked into the room with a hangdog look, knowing she had forgotten the meeting. (Elle est entrée dans la pièce avec un air honteux, sachant qu'elle avait oublié la réunion.)
  3. The hangdog glance from the child indicated he had eaten the cookies. (Le regard penaud de l'enfant indiquait qu'il avait mangé les biscuits.)
  4. After the argument, he had a hangdog demeanor. (Après la dispute, il avait une allure penaude.)
  5. The student gave a hangdog sigh after seeing his test results. (L'élève a soupiré avec un air honteux après avoir vu ses résultats.)
  6. Her hangdog eyes were enough to ask for forgiveness. (Ses yeux honteux suffisaient à demander pardon.)
  7. The hangdog posture of the guilty dog was clear to everyone. (La posture penaude du chien coupable était claire pour tout le monde.)
  8. He adopted a hangdog attitude after realizing his mistake. (Il a adopté une attitude penaude après avoir réalisé son erreur.)
  9. The hangdog atmosphere in the office suggested everyone knew about the mistake. (L'atmosphère honteuse au bureau suggérait que tout le monde savait pour l'erreur.)
  10. A hangdog expression crept across his face when he was caught. (Un air penaud est apparu sur son visage lorsqu'il a été pris.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "hangdog" in English

Synonyms: shamefaced, abashed, guilty, sheepish, crestfallen.

Antonyms: confident, proud, unapologetic, assertive, self-assured.

Similar Words: embarrassed, humiliated, downcast, disheartened, remorseful.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "hangdog" in French

Synonyms: penaud, honteux, confus, gêné, mortifié.

Antonyms: confiant, fier, assuré, décomplexé, audacieux.

Similar Words: abattu, déprimé, écrasé, repentant, accablé.

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