This week's theme
Loan translations

This week's words
psychological moment
running dog
potpourri
blue blood
deus ex machina

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(RUN-ing dog)

MEANING:

noun: A servile follower; lackey.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Chinese zougou, from zou (running) + gou (dog), apparently as an allusion to a dog running to follow his or her master's commands. This term was employed in Chinese Communist terminology to refer to someone who was considered subservient to counter-revolutionary interest. Earliest documented use: 1925.

USAGE:

"Before now, I never suspected Strickland of being a running-dog, lickspittled lackey of the Nanny State."
Nick Welsh; Dog Is as Dog Does; Santa Barbara Independent (California); Apr, 26, 2012.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: