doss

English

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /dɔs/
• IPA^(key): /dɒs/
• IPA^(key): /dɑs/

• Audio (AU):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɒs, -ɔːs

Etymology

Perhaps from Latin dorsum (“the back”), i.e. what one lies on when sleeping; perhaps from English dialect doss (“a hassock”).

Verb

1. (intransitive, British and Ireland) To avoid work, shirk, etc.

   I am going to doss tomorrow when the match is on.

2. (intransitive, British, slang) To sleep in the open or in a derelict building because one is homeless

   I normally have to doss in shop doorways or park benches.

Noun

doss (countable and uncountable, plural dosses)

1. (slang) The avoidance of work.

   I am going to have a doss tomorrow.

2. (slang) An easy piece of work.

   Circumnavigating the world in a canoe is no doss.

3. (slang, dated) A place to sleep in; a bed.
4. (slang, dated, by extension) Sleep.

Adjective

doss (not comparable)

1. (Scotland) Useless or lazy. Generally combined with expletive noun, especially cunt.

   Get a hauld o yersel, ye doss cunt!

2. (Scotland) Good, desirable.

   The place is pure doss, like.

See also

• doss about
• doss around
• doss down
• doss-house
• doss off
• dosser

Anagrams

• DSOs, SDOs, dsos, sods