Ever scroll through a group chat after a wild night out and see someone say, “I need the hair of the dog asap”, and think… hair of the WHAT?
Yeah, same. The first time I saw it, I literally pictured someone brushing a dog and using the fur as a remedy. Spoiler: that’s not what it means thankfully.
But the phrase is actually super common, especially in conversations about hangovers, partying, or weekend plans.
Quick Answer: Hair of the dog means drinking alcohol to reduce a hangover. It’s a casual, humorous, and sometimes slightly sarcastic way of saying you’re having a drink to feel better after a previous drink.
What Does Hair of the Dog Mean in Text?
In texting or online conversations, “hair of the dog” refers to the idea that having a little alcohol can help ease a hangover. It comes from the longer expression “hair of the dog that bit you.”
It’s not literal — it’s just slang for hangover relief by drinking again.
Example:
“ugh my head is killing me… might need the hair of the dog 😩🍻”
In short: Hair of the dog = a hangover remedy = drinking more alcohol to feel better.
Where Is Hair of the Dog Commonly Used?
You’ll see this slang mostly in casual, funny, or party-related chats:
- 🍻 Group chats after a night out
- 😂 Memes about hangovers
- 🥂 Snapchat stories the morning after
- 🎉 TikTok videos about weekend benders
- 📱 Texts between friends planning brunch
- 💬 Casual conversations about drinking
It’s not formal, not professional, and not serious.
It’s used in a light, joking tone.
Examples of Hair of the Dog in Conversation
A: bro i can’t get out of bed 😂
B: same… might use the hair of the dog lol
A: brunch today?
B: only if there’s hair of the dog involved 🍾
A: my hangover is next level
B: take the hair of the dog and u’ll survive 😭
A: u drinking again already??
B: just a lil hair of the dog 👀
A: i regret everything from last night
B: hair of the dog time then 🤣
A: we still doing mimosas?
B: yep, i need the hair of the dog rn
When to Use and When Not to Use Hair of the Dog
✅ When to Use
- Casual chats with friends
- Joking about hangovers
- Weekend or party conversations
- Texting about brunch, mimosas, or “recovering”
- When you want a playful tone
❌ When Not to Use
- Work messages
- Formal communication
- Talking to someone who doesn’t drink
- Serious health-related conversations
- With older people who might not know the expression
Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “i need the hair of the dog 😂” | Casual, humorous |
| Party Group | “hair of the dog brunch tmrw?” | Fits the vibe |
| Work Chat | “I’m feeling better today.” | Professional & clear |
| “I’ll review this after some rest.” | Formal, appropriate |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| day drinking | drinking early in the day | Fun or casual plans |
| boozy brunch | alcohol-focused brunch | Weekend jokes |
| mimosa therapy | drinking to feel better | Playful, light mood |
| pre-game | drinking before going out | Before events/parties |
| hangover cure | remedy for a hangover | Any casual chat |
FAQs About Hair of the Dog
Is it actually a real cure?
Not medically — it just delays symptoms.
Is it offensive?
No, it’s light and humorous, as long as the person drinks or understands the context.
Is it modern slang?
It’s older slang but still used in texting and social media.
Can you use it in serious contexts?
Not really — it’s meant to be funny or casual.
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