2007-03-06 22:51:34 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
The original mythological reference is to Deimos and Phobos, the canine companions of Mars, the Roman God of War.
More recently, it is a "slang" term referring to a mercenary, or, sometimes, any career professional soldier.
2007-03-06 23:24:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Traditionally, a soldier, be it a career military man, a recruit or a peasant serf impressed into service. The term originated from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act 3, scene 1.
In modern times, a mercenary (the Christopher Walken Movie "The Dogs Of War", or the Pink Floyd song "Dogs Of War" from the album "A Momentary Lapse In Reason).
2007-03-07 07:25:57 · answer #2 · answered by doktor.vonster 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Shakespeare used it as an analogy. Imagine having a bunch of snarling growling dogs on leashes threatening your enemy. The dogs represent the military. Letting them slip refers to slipping off the leash. Once the "dogs of war" are unleashed it is very near impossible to stop the events that will transpire.
2007-03-07 07:50:58 · answer #3 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It's from Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar", Act 3, Scene 1.
It refers to soldiers in general.
The original line is "Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,".
2007-03-07 07:05:10 · answer #4 · answered by koncur 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
In the Middle Ages some armies had fierce dogs they used to guard their camp and to attack enemies in battles.
2007-03-07 09:34:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
a dog of war is a dog helping out like a bomb sniffing dog or another one.
2007-03-07 07:01:58 · answer #6 · answered by halgoobs1 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It was taken from a Shakespeare play and basically means a soldier.
Then again there are the DEVIL DOGS... Heh heh heh.
2007-03-07 07:00:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think it's a mercenary, some one who kills for reward.
Not a soldier, but someone hired to do a job for a foreign country or cause. Works for anyone
2007-03-07 07:19:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Not a poodle. :-))))
2007-03-07 06:54:39 · answer #9 · answered by Wonka 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋