dogsbody

Definition

A person who does menial work, a servant.

Etymology

From dog + -s- + body. 1818, British navy slang (dog's body), originally derogatory reference to unappetizing pease pudding (compare dog's breakfast), as if it were made of mashed dog meat. In 20th century applied to low-ranked sailors, thence menial servants in wider usage.

Example Sentences

• "Who chose this face for me? This dogsbody to rid of vermin."
• "'Cause I, I wanna be anarchy! / No dogsbody!"
• "That's just Baldrick, my dogsbody."