Are you familiar with those funny or cute videos of dogs titled “What the heckin dog!” which got you thinking ‘what on earth does that mean?’. Well, you are not the only one who’s confused.
In this digital world, many people have introduced slang terms to express certain emotions or actions. One such slang is ‘heckin’ which originated from the beloved Doggo community.
To learn more about the Doggo community and find out what the heckin dog means, keep reading this blog post.
Origin of ‘What The Heckin’:
Originated from a Facebook community where people love furry friends and share cheerful dog videos and pictures, is the phrase ‘What the heckin dog’.
This phrase is used to express surprise and excitement. It is used to describe moments when a canine companion does something funny or unusual, adorably.
So the next time your dog catches a frisbee midair or does a playful trick, don’t forget to exclaim ‘That’s a heckin dog!’ to express your amazement.
What is Doggo Lingo?
Also known as Doggo Speak is an internet language used by dog lovers to describe the whimsical characteristics and actions of their beloved pets. Its humorous and exaggerated use of words adds more fun to an already delightful dog.
The language mainly gained traction on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Twitter. And as the dog lovers’ community grew, so did the language associated with it.
Hence, apart from ‘heckin’ if you also don’t know what a ‘Doggo’, ‘Floof’ or ‘Woofer’ is, then worry no more. We’ve done our research (looked at a lot of cute dog posts) to explain to you what those terms mean:
- Heckin: It is a playful variation of the word heck, which itself is a mild expletive. It is used to describe a dog’s action with excitement and an affectionate tone.
- Doggo: All dogs are called Doggos in the internet community, referring to the four-legged best friend that brings joy everywhere they go.
However, do you know that all dogs can be doggos but not all doggos can be puppers? Keep reading to know what we’re talking about.
- Pupper: You might have guessed it but that’s a slang term for puppies.
However, it can also be used for small breeds of dogs such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas or Shih Tzus.
- Woofer: A large dog is referred to as a Woofer in the Doggo Lingo. It may include breeds such as the Great Dane, Dobermann and the Irish Wolfhound.
- Floofer: As suggested by the name, it refers to incredibly fluffy dogs like a flood Samoyed, Newfoundlands or a gorgeous Tibetan Mastiff.
- Boop: Another cornerstone of the Doggo language is the word Boop, which means a gentle tap on the dog’s nose.
Used interchangeably as giving and receiving, a dog can boop you when it’s time for a walk or you could get a sudden urge to tap or boop your dog’s nose because it’s heckin cute.
These are a few basic terms of the slang language that could help you join in on the fun.
The Popularity of Doggo Lingo
Doggo Lingo has transformed the way we talk about our four-legged partners and it has eventually seeped into our daily conversation. But if you’re still wondering why Doggo Speak became so popular, then here’s a list of a few reasons:
- Humour: In a space where harsh words and negativity are normalised, doggo language offers a refreshing dose of positivity with light-hearted videos. After all, who doesn’t like a goofy floofer’s video at the end of a stressful day?
- Relatability: This universal language evokes the feeling of warmth and affection and resonates with so many people, be it a dog owner or merely a fan.
- Connection: Using these specific terms for dogs can create a sense of connection between like-minded individuals. Using words like ‘pupper’ or ‘boop’ can suggest that you’re a part of the internet’s dog-loving community, fostering a deeper connection with people.
Additionally, these imaginative words exhibit the playful nature of your dog and people around the world enjoy coming up with more unique variations, further increasing the creativity of the Lingo.
Doggo Speak Reaches Mainstream
A term that was initially used in Internet Jargon has now become part of the mainstream culture and thus led to many merchandise including T-shirts, mugs, stickers, and home decor.
This transition is proof of how niche slang has impacted a broader phenomenon and eventually influenced our everyday conversations.
Yes, you read that right! These playful terms have influenced communication in the real world with people using words like ‘Doggo’ and ‘Pupper’ in casual conversations. Hence, it is an illustration of how online communities can evidently reshape our offline identities.
Educational Impact:
The evolving nature of Internet culture has interestingly opened opportunities to spread awareness and educate people on animal cruelty, spaying or neutering, importance of regular vet checks and responsible pet ownership.
Animal shelters and other associated organisations have leveraged these phrases to create engaging and heartwarming content to promote adoption and advocate for dogs’ welfare.
Embracing Doggo Speak:
If you would like to join other people on this trend, here are a few ways to begin the party:
- Familiarise yourself with the basics that we’ve already discussed in this blog post. Words like ‘Doggo,’ ‘Pupper,’ and ‘Floof’ can be a good starting point.
- Don’t shy away from being imaginative and creating words of your own. Use them when sharing stories or pictures of your dog.
- Join dog lovers’ community online. You can find several pages and groups on Facebook or explore more through relatable hashtags such as #dogslife and #doglovers.
Remember that this is just a silly language that we use to verbalise our dog’s thoughts. Therefore, there’s no wrong way of saying it so just simply embrace the fun and enjoy the DoggoLingo!
Conclusion
While the world can feel stressful with negativity taking over you, Doggo Lingo offers a refreshing breath of cuteness and humour. It spreads positivity and celebrates the joy and love a dog brings into one’s life.
So the next time you see a dog on your way home or a picture of them online, don’t forget to compliment those floof balls and relish this endearing culture.