A Study of Derivatives Formed with the Quasi-suffix “-狗” in Internet Chinese

This study explores derivatives formed by the quasi-suffix “-狗”, a prominent feature of modern Chinese Internet language. The character “-狗” (meaning “dog”), originally used only in compound words as a free morpheme with its independent lexical meaning, first appeared as a quasi-suffix in 2011. The term “单身狗” was the first widely popular derivative. Since then, numerous derivatives featuring the “-狗” quasi-suffix have emerged, spreading from online contexts into everyday language. While “-狗” in compound words typically refers to the animal “dog”, in the structure “root + -狗”, it takes on a figurative meaning. It no longer refers literally to a dog but has evolved to describe people who share particular characteristics, conditions, hobbies; tendencies, or occupations. The causes of the creation and spread of the “-狗” derivative include internal and external factors grammaticalization (metapher, metonymy, analogy), language economy, social-cultural change, the Internet use, and the action of memes. Accordingly, the rapid pace of change in the Internet culture has given rise to numerous neologisms, many of which fade quickly. However, derivatives with the “-狗” quasi-suffix have shown remarkable productivity and enduring vitality, contributing significantly to the expansion of contemporary Chinese vocabulary. Based on these findings, further research should focus on the ongoing development of the Internet language and the role of quasi-affixes in shaping new vocabulary.