Dogleg: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'dogleg' originated in golf, where it described holes that have a sharp turn, resembling a dog's leg.
• The earliest recorded use of the term in golf dates back to the 1900s, highlighting its popularity in the sport.
• In hunting, the term also refers to a dog following a scent in a zig-zag pattern, inspired by the animal's movement.

Golf

• Golf courses often have dogleg holes to challenge players, requiring strategic shots to navigate the turns.
• Well-known dogleg holes can be found at prestigious courses like Augusta National, enhancing the game's excitement and difficulty.
• The shape encourages players to consider their club selection carefully, as the degree of the bend can affect their approach to the green.

Architecture

• In architecture, a 'dogleg' can refer to a staircase design that turns at a right angle, optimizing space in a building.
• Dogleg ladders can be used in loft buildings, making transitions easier and safer as they navigate tight areas.

Sports

• In sports terms beyond golf, 'dogleg' describes the path of a ball in sports like baseball or football that takes an unexpected turn.
• It can refer to plays that involve sharp changes in direction, adding excitement and unpredictability to the game.

Cultural References

• In literature, 'dogleg' is used metaphorically to describe twists and turns in a story's plot, suggesting complexity and surprises.
• Movies or shows may depict doglegs to symbolize characters facing unexpected challenges, illustrating life's path.

Ranking #38,669, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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