We’re all cat and dog lovers!

We’ve watched our pets grow and change throughout their lives. From being cuddly and curious to getting old and grumpy.

And since the advent of the internet, we’ve watched and heard the way we speak about our precious pets to the way we speak to them, change.

But understanding each other in the internet age (even though we speak the same English language) is proving a lot more indecipherable.

But no worries. Here’s our list of words to help decode the latest internet petspeak:

 

Petspeak 101: 2023 dictionary

Pet speak is a playful and affectionate way of speaking about dogs, often used by animal lovers and owners. Here are some of our faves:

Zoomies

Zoomies, originally known as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), are bursts of energetic, playful behaviour that are commonly seen in dogs. This is when your dog suddenly starts running, jumping, and barking excitedly when you arrive when it’s time to play with their favourite toy.

 

Hoomom

This is a term of endearment used to refer to a dog's mother, or more generally to any human who is a caretaker or owner of a dog.

 

Sploot

A sploot is a term used to describe a specific type of relaxed, stretched-out position that is commonly seen in dogs. This is when a dog lies belly-flat with its hind legs extended straight behind it and its front legs bent at the elbows, so that its chest is resting on the ground.

 

Mlem

Mlem is a term used to describe the soft, contented noise that is made by an animal, typically a cat when it is happy and relaxed. It is often accompanied by the cat or dog sticking its tongue out.

 

Boop

This is the act of gently tapping or pressing on the nose of an animal, such as a dog or a cat. This action is often associated with playfulness and affection.

 

Floof

This is a more affectionate way of describing an animal, typically a dog or a cat, that has a large, fluffy, or voluminous coat of fur.

 

Snoot

A snoot is a term used to describe the nose of an animal, typically of a dog.

 

Doggo

Every dog can be referred to as a doggo. There's no rhyme or sense to it; it's just a more adorable way of saying ‘dog’.

 

Pupper

Pupper is similar to doggo. However, it refers to a puppy. Most people use it as a moniker for pups that they find especially cute.

 

Smol

Some pets are so little and adorable that the term "small" doesn't do them justice. You use the word "smol" to describe a tiny dog or cat, that’s just too cute.

 

Derp

This term is often used in a playful or light-hearted way to describe a pet that is acting in a way that is silly or foolish.

 

Toe beans

Toe beans are the lovely pads on the bottom of your pet's paw. If you’ve never noticed – your pet’s paws actually look like beans.

 

Teefies

Teefies is used to describe the teeth of an animal, or when your harmless pet bears its teef.