‘Doghouse’ has several meanings, from a kennel to a box for dogs. A doghouse is a covered enclosure for a dog, usually located outdoors, and used for the living quarters of a dog. It was originally used for dogs, but became a common building type during the Industrial Revolution.
In the United States, ‘doghouse’ is a common euphemism for ‘insubordination’. Often, a player or team member is referred to as ‘in the doghouse’ after doing something embarrassing or stupid. Typically, the person in question has been chastised by another member of the team, or a manager, and is asked to move on.
In a romantic relationship, a partner can be sent to the doghouse for a number of reasons. For instance, if the wife or husband repeatedly fails to make a scheduled return trip to the office, the offender may be deemed in disfavor.
The first recorded reference to “the doghouse” comes from the 1911 J.M. Barrie novel Peter Pan. In the book, a character named Nana is banished from the Darling house by a grouchy Mr. Darling, who blames himself for the kidnapping of the children by Captain Hook.
The origin of the doghouse is still debated. One etymologist believes that the phrase is derived from ‘dog-house’, an early Middle English term that refers to a box for dogs. The early uses of the phrase are characterized by mild sexism.
The ‘doghouse’ is also a common phrase for insubordinate athletes, and is often accompanied by a number of colorful language syllables.