負け犬
Meanings
Refers to a person who has lost in competition, life, or social standing. Often carries a pitiful or contemptuous nuance, like a 'beaten dog'. Can also be used for someone who is habitually unsuccessful.
After losing the election, he looks completely like a loser.
Throw away that loser mentality and try again.
unmarried and childless older woman
Slang, derogatory. Popularized by the book '負け犬の遠吠え' (The Howl of the Loser Dog). Refers to an unmarried, childless woman over 30, implying she has 'lost' in the societal game of marriage and family.
See also: お一人様 (おひとりさま)
The term 'makeinu' is sometimes criticized as a discriminatory label against unmarried women.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉を負け犬扱いするto treat someone as a loser
I wish people would stop treating him like a loser.
- 〈人〉と呼ばれる負け犬referred to as an (unmarried, childless) 'loser' woman
Even in her 30s, an unmarried woman is sometimes called a 'makeinu'.
- 負け犬になるto become a loser
If I keep doing nothing, I'll end up a loser.
- 〈人〉は負け犬だと思うto think of someone as a loser
She was depressed, thinking of herself as a loser.
Expressions
- 負け犬の遠吠えbackbiting of a coward; grumblings of a loser