Got That Dog In Him

Definition:

Used to describe someone, often an athlete, who possesses exceptional determination, competitiveness, and mental toughness, especially in high-pressure situations

Context:

The phrase "got that dog in him" originated in sports culture on social media in the late 2000s, quickly gaining popularity among fans, analysts, and commentators. It draws a parallel between the high-energy, chase-oriented nature of dogs and the intense, driven performance of athletes.

By 2022, its widespread use led to it achieving meme status, often using "dawg" instead of "dog," and accompanied by humorous images of X-rays showing literal dogs inside people.

Example:

^{(for legal
reasons, all names & events in the following scenario have been made
up)}

Cris: “Wow, that Copa América final was crazy!”

Awstin: “For real, Lautaro Martínez's goal for Argentina! That kid's got that dog in him!”

Cris: “Oh, I was talking about all the fans rushing the stadium beforehand...”

Awstin: “...oh yeah - that was wilddd”