Puppyisms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of whimsical or affectionate behavior often displayed by young dogs
2. A term describing the charming mannerisms and antics typical of puppies
3. Referring to the playful and endearing traits exhibited by immature canines

Etymology: Puppy began in English as a name for a young dog or small lapdog, and it traces back through Middle French "poupée", meaning doll, to Latin "pupa", a doll or puppet. Its older meanings are the surprise: for centuries "puppy" also described a conceited, foolish young man, a sense that survives in the idea of a brash youngster. "Puppyisms" is a straightforward combination of "puppy" and the suffix "-ism", which comes through Latin from Greek "-ismos" and forms nouns for a practice, manner, or characteristic. Attaching it to "puppy" gives a name for the playful, clumsy, endearing behaviour typical of young dogs. It is a transparent formation, so its history lies mainly in the two parts it is built from.