What it means
A cheeky British way to say something’s absolutely brilliant, top of the pile, the real deal. It sounds rude, which is part of the laugh, but it’s pure praise. You can use it for food, gear, music, motors, whatever’s come out bang on. People also shorten it to just the dog’s.
Usage examples
"You try that new kebab shop on the high road? It’s the dog’s bollocks, mate, proper juicy, and the chilli sauce has a kick."
"That new burger place is the dog's bollocks, proper queues out the door every single night."
"She reckons her new headphones are the dog's bollocks, won't take them off even at the dinner table."
"That little café by the station does a bacon sarnie that’s the dog’s bollocks, no messing about."
"Got the new speakers set up last night and they’re the dog’s bollocks, the whole front room’s humming."
Where it comes from
This is a British praise phrase that took off in the late 20th century, especially from the 1980s on. It follows the older tradition of daft compliment slang like the bee’s knees and the cat’s whiskers. The joke is the rude sound of it, while the meaning is the exact opposite of rubbish.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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