IN THE DOGHOUSE ORIGIN
Monday September 21st, 2009
IN THE DOGHOUSE
Being in the dog house dates back to the days of slave trading. The holds of ships carrying human cargo from Africa to the USA were modified to become enormous dormitories. This left little if any room below deck for crew members to sleep. This was solved by building kennel style huts (dog houses) on the deck for sailors to use as bunks. Of course sleeping on the upper deck in these hot humid and somewhat air-free hutches was very unpleasant. Hence getting into an uncomfortable situation became referred to as being in the dog house.
I know, as I married one
The phrase dates back to the days of tall ships in our Navy's history.
On the upper deck was a small cabin like structure which supported the ships large steering wheel(helm). That cabin was just large enough for one sailer to fil in as a cramped quarters. Frequently, for dispensary reasons, unruly sailors would be sentenced to spend time in the cramped quarters, refered to as the dog house due to i'size. To spend time in that small space, with no room to stand or stretch out was punishment enough to keep the crew on their toes, & "toe the line" while at see. Another phrase dating back to the Navy's square riggers.
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