shaggy-dog

adjective

shag·​gy-dog ˌsha-gē-ˈdȯg 

: of, relating to, or being a long-drawn-out circumstantial story concerning an inconsequential happening that impresses the teller as humorous or interesting but the hearer as boring and pointless

also : of, relating to, or being a similar humorous story whose humor lies in the pointlessness or irrelevance of the plot or punch line

a shaggy-dog comedy

Did you know?

The origin of the adjective shaggy-dog isn't truly known, but lexicographer Eric Partridge rather believably tells us that it originated with a shaggy-dog story of the amusing sort that involves—of course!—a shaggy dog. Today, the word sometimes refers to a rambling story that impresses the teller as humorous or interesting but the hearer as boring and pointless, but it can also refer to a similar story (or movie or TV show) that is actually humorous and whose humor lies in its very pointlessness or irrelevance.

Examples of shaggy-dog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Haugerud’s writing is thoughtful and rife with substantial ideas, but also delights in puckish diversions and shaggy-dog anecdotes — some of which illuminate the themes at hand, while others merely highlight the eccentric perversity of man in general. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025

But this isn’t just another shaggy-dog hangout movie, showcasing Pine’s appreciation for classic movies, beloved actors, old-school L.A. restaurants, short shorts and silly hats. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024

Big Sky developed a shaggy-dog reputation among Western resorts, grittier and harder to get to than Aspen or Vail, with extreme terrain that matched or surpassed its posh Colorado cousins. —Nick Bowlin, Harper's Magazine, 30 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shaggy-dog

• analog
• analogue
• catalogue
• decalogue
• demagogue
• dialogue
• epilogue
• homologue
• monologue
• pedagogue
• synagogue
• tagalog

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