raw dog

verb

variants or rawdog or less commonly raw-dog
raw dogged or rawdogged also raw-dogged; raw dogging or rawdogging also raw-dogging; raw dogs or rawdogs also raw-dogs

transitive verb

1
slang : to undertake a difficult or boring activity without any aid, preparation, diversions, etc.
… just raw dogging life right now@jasontbattle
We all know the red mist that descends when you're out and about and your data runs out, or you can't piggyback on a café's wi-fi, or you leave your phone at home and are forced to rawdog the hour-long wait in the car park …Bill Linnane
… the entertainment system's not working on today's flight so many passengers have to raw-dog it.Sheridan Rhodes
2
vulgar slang : to have sexual intercourse with (someone) without a condom

Word History

First Known Use

1997, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of raw dog was in 1997

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Raw dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raw%20dog. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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