"dog's breakfast," which has been British slang for "a complete mess" since at least the 1930s. While no one took the time to write down the exact origin of the phrase, the allusion involved seems to be to a failed culinary effort, perhaps a burned or botched omelet, fit only for consumption by the mouth of last resort, Fido. As a vivid figure of speech meaning something so fouled up as to be utterly useless, "dog's breakfast" can cover anything from a play plagued by collapsing scenery to a space mission ruined by a mathematical error. "Dog's dinner," which seems to have appeared around the same time, means exactly the same sort of disaster, but has the advantage of being attractively alliterative. Both phrases are heard occasionally in the U.S., but are more common in the U.K. and Commonwealth countries.
by jorgepj September 16, 2006
by frankie fester January 20, 2006
An unappealing mixture of many things... a hodgepodge... a disorganzined mess... but probably still usable (or consumable in the case of food.) From the idea that a dog will eat anything and feeding it a mixture of whatever is on hand. (Unappealing because only the dog finds its breakfast appealing... if you see or smell the dog food in the morning, as you're feeding the dog, it may well turn your stomach.)
by PlaceHolder June 17, 2004
A phrase to mean something so messed up it should be revolting. It originated in England when dog owners let their dogs out in the morning to pee. The dog would often eat any puke that the previous nights drunks had left on the street.
by St. Peter Dickinson February 24, 2017
by El_Nombre June 18, 2004
An easy to prepare breakfast dish consisting of a slice of toast topped by two softboiled eggs and cut into bite-sized pieces. Ketchup is optional.
by Angela Carrington March 5, 2006
by Black Kight, Ph.D. May 3, 2006