That Dog Won’t Hunt

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "That dog won’t hunt" means something won’t work, won’t succeed, or isn’t believable. The phrase comes from hunting - a dog that won’t hunt is useless for the job.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #Southern #FarmTalk #Proverbs

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'That dog won’t hunt' is a common one. Doesn't come up everday, but that's because failure is sporadic.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'That dog won’t hunt' is a common one. Doesn't come up everday, but that's because failure is sporadic.

Pronunciation

[that DAWG wone HUHNT]

Meaning & Usage

- Won’t work, won’t succeed (saying)

Mae:

You think that excuse’ll fool the boss?

Earl:

Naw, that dog won’t hunt.

★ This saying cuts quick - it’s a colorful but firm way of saying "Nope, that won’t work." ★

Origin and Etymology

Rooted in rural hunting culture of the South and Appalachia. If a hunting dog wouldn’t do its job, it was useless. By the 1800s, the phrase was already being used figuratively for bad excuses and plans.

Usage Notes

Still common in the South and Appalachia, especially among older speakers. You’ll hear it in everyday talk and even in politics as a folksy dismissal.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain: "That dog won’t hunt." The "won’t" usually shortens, and "hunt" may soften to "huhnt."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it literally mean a dog?

No - it’s figurative. It means something won’t work, not that a dog is lazy.

Is it only Appalachian?

It started in the South/Appalachia, but it spread widely as a folksy expression.

Do people still use it today?

Yes - it’s less common among younger folks, but still heard often enough, especially in rural areas.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 6). That Dog Won’t Hunt. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/that-dog-wont-hunt
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "That Dog Won’t Hunt." HillbillySlang.com, 6 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/that-dog-wont-hunt.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "That Dog Won’t Hunt." HillbillySlang.com. September 6, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/that-dog-wont-hunt.

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