Teach an old dictionary new tricks

Writers for the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) are asking the public to help them verify the history of 40 words and phrases. All of the entries of these terms in the OED contain a date of the earliest evidence of usage, but researchers want the public to help them refine the history of the words. Seven of the words and phrases in question relate to man’s best friend. Here is the list of canine terms that haunt the OED researchers.

Dog and bone – A telephone

The dog's bollocks – A term for excellence.

Mucky pup – A British term of endearment used to refer to a messy child.

Shaggy dog story -A shaggy dog story is a long story which is only funny because the punch line is so flat you wonder why the tale is worth telling.

Sick puppy – An individual who acts strangely

Click here to read more or add some evidence to help the OED confirm the history of these terms.