Pooch: meaning, definitions and examples

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pooch

[puːtʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

pet companion

A pooch is a colloquial term for a dog, often used in an affectionate or playful manner. Pooches are known for their loyalty, companionship, and playful nature.

Synonyms

canine, dog, pup.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pooch	Commonly used in casual or informal conversations; it implies a cute or beloved pet dog. I took my pooch for a walk in the park. Her pooch loves to play with toys.
dog	The most commonly used term in both formal and informal contexts; it can refer to any dog regardless of size, age, or breed. I have a dog named Max. The guide dog helped the man cross the street.
pup	Typically used to refer to a young or baby dog, often implying a level of cuteness or small size. The pup followed its mother everywhere. She adopted a cute little pup from the shelter.
canine	Often used in a more scientific or formal context; it refers to dogs in a general or species-specific sense, including their biology and relationship with humans. The veterinarian specializes in canine health. The research focuses on canine behavior.

Examples of usage

I take my pooch for a walk every morning.
My pooch loves to cuddle on the couch.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

In slang, 'pooch' can also refer to a mistake or failure, especially in a business or professional setting.

Examples of usage

The project was a total pooch; we'll have to start over from scratch.
He really pooched that presentation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Pooch likely comes from the word 'poucha,' a slang term from the early 20th century, which meant 'dog.'
The term gained popularity in the 1960s and is often associated with smaller breeds.
In the late 90s, the word became more common in media, especially in family-oriented shows.

Pop Culture

Pooch often appears in movies and cartoons, representing loyalty and companionship, like in 'Lady and the Tramp.'
Popular online memes often focus on dogs’ silly behaviors, affectionately calling them 'pooches.'
Pooch is also a common branding choice for pet products, emphasizing cuteness and playfulness.

Psychology

Cuddling a dog can release oxytocin, which creates feelings of happiness and reduces stress.
Interaction with your pooch can improve social connections and decrease feelings of loneliness.
A pup can be a source of comfort and support, especially in challenging times, showing their emotional impact.

Literature

In various children’s books, dogs often appear as characters that teach lessons about loyalty and friendship.
The term 'pooch' and its variations have been used in poetry to evoke warmth and humor surrounding companionship.
Notable authors like Jack London have depicted the profound bond between humans and dogs, often referencing smaller breeds.

History

Throughout history, various dog breeds have been domesticated for companionship, hunting, and protection.
In ancient Egypt, dogs were revered and often depicted as symbols of faithfulness and protection.
The idea of a pet dog has evolved, with many cultures now seeing pooches as family members rather than just animals.

Translations

Translations of the word "pooch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cachorro

🇮🇳 कुत्ता

🇩🇪 Hund

🇮🇩 anjing

🇺🇦 собака

🇵🇱 pies

🇯🇵 犬 (いぬ)

🇫🇷 chien

🇪🇸 perro

🇹🇷 köpek

🇰🇷 개 (gae)

🇸🇦 كلب (kalb)

🇨🇿 pes

🇸🇰 pes

🇨🇳 狗 (gǒu)

🇸🇮 pes

🇮🇸 hundur

🇰🇿 ит

🇬🇪 ძაღლი (dzaghli)

🇦🇿 it

🇲🇽 perro

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,313, 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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37310 ogled
37311 debauching
37312 purveying
37313 pooch
37314 bayed
37315 seclude
37316 satinwood
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