What Does “Updog” Mean? (And Where Did It Come From?)

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If you have found yourself with the question “What is an updog?” loudly, then you may have been the latest victim of a classic English joke. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what “updog” means and how the “updog” joke works, and delve into the history of this pun and the English slang word “dog.” Read on to find out more!

“Updog” is a nonsense word that comes from the English phrase “What’s up, dog?” (meaning “How’s it going my friend?”). The word is part of a common joke: someone makes a statement with the word “updog,” prompting someone else to ask, “What’s an updog?” The first person says “Nothing. What about you?” as an impact point.

1. 

   Setting: “Can you add me an upgrade?” Find someone to talk to and make a statement or ask a question with the word “updog” in it. The goal is to make the person you’re joking with have to ask you what an “updog” is. You can use any expression you can think of, but if you’re stuck, here are some settings for inspiration:

   • “Smells grown up in here.”
   • “You look like an upstart.”
   • “Withdrawal.”
   • “Did you notice all that upgrade?”
   • “Will it serve an upgrade?”

2. Answer: “What is an updog?” After you ask your question, the other person will be confused because they don’t know what “updog” means. Ideally, you will then be asked “What is an updog?” to set your punchline.

   • Since the other person doesn’t know you’re joking, they might not say “What’s an updog?” exactly. For example, they might say “What do you mean?” or just “What’s that?”
   • Advice: If they say something like “What’s that?”, ask them “What’s what?” try to get them to say “What’s an updog?” again.

3. Point: “Not much. What about you?” Imagine yourself answering the question “What’s up, dog?” (AKA, “How’s it going, buddy?”). Say something short and casual like “Not much,” “Nothing,” or “I can’t complain,” then ask, “What about you?” to end the joke.

   • The other person will pick up on the pun you tricked them into and laugh (or maybe groan because this is considered a corny (but classic!) joke).

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Source: HIS Education