rawdog

/ˈrɑˌdɑɡ/
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To go through an experience without a usual layer of protection, help, or comfort.

Examples

  • She told him plainly that they would not rawdog.
  • The clinic warns that rawdogging can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
  • She rawdogged the presentation with no notes and somehow nailed it.
  • Calling it rawdogging made the ordinary train ride sound comically extreme.
  • Do not assume a partner is willing to rawdog.

Similar words

have sex without a condom
go without
have unprotected sex
tough it out
do unaided
go bareback
wing it

Meanings

Have sex without a condom

verb
sexuality
slang
To have sex without using a condom, a vulgar expression that can sound crude or offensive.

Examples

  • They agreed not to rawdog because neither wanted to risk an infection.
  • He claimed he had rawdogged before, but the joke made everyone at dinner uncomfortable.
  • Do not assume a partner is willing to rawdog.
  • She told him plainly that they would not rawdog.
  • The clinic warns that rawdogging can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Similar words

Do without the usual help

verb
everyday
slang
To do or endure something without the usual help, preparation, protection, or entertainment, usually said as an exaggerated joke.

Examples

  • I forgot my headphones and had to rawdog the entire flight.
  • Are you really going to rawdog that exam without studying?
  • She rawdogged the presentation with no notes and somehow nailed it.
  • He refuses to rawdog his commute, so he always downloads a podcast.
  • Calling it rawdogging made the ordinary train ride sound comically extreme.

Similar words

Etymology

Originally vulgar sexual slang for sex without a condom, rawdog broadened in the 2010s to other activities done without preparation or support. Its figurative use gained wide attention during the 2024 trend of taking long flights without entertainment, food, or other comforts.

FAQ

What does rawdog mean?

Rawdog can mean having sex without a condom or, more broadly, doing something without the usual help, preparation, or comfort.

Is rawdog a vulgar word?

Yes. Its original sexual sense is vulgar, and even the joking figurative sense may sound crude or inappropriate in formal settings.

What does it mean to rawdog a flight?

To rawdog a flight is to take it without usual comforts or distractions such as films, music, food, or sleep.

What are the past and -ing forms of rawdog?

The past form is rawdogged, and the -ing form is rawdogging.

Is rawdog always sexual?

No. The newer figurative sense often describes facing an ordinary task with no help or entertainment, usually for comic effect.

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