Pronunciation: [dˈʌɡ] (IPA) 
The word "dug" may seem like it should be spelled with an -ah sound at the end, but its correct spelling is with a -uh sound. This is because "dug" is pronounced with a short vowel sound in the middle, represented by the IPA symbol /ʌ/. The letter "u" often represents this sound, as seen in words like "cup" and "hut." So, when writing "dug," remember to use the letter "u" and not "a" at the end, even though it may sound similar.
Dug is a past tense verb of the word "dig". It refers to the action of creating a hole or cavity in the ground or another surface by using tools or one's hands. When someone digs, they exert effort and use tools like shovels or spades to remove soil, dirt, or any other material to excavate the ground and create a hole. Dug specifically denotes the action that has already taken place in the past.
The term "dug" can also be used as a noun, referring to an animal's teat or nipple, especially that of a mammal, where offspring or young suckle for sustenance and nourishment. In this context, it commonly refers to the swollen, elongated organ used to feed newborns, typically found on the underside of animals such as dogs, cows, or pigs.
Furthermore, "dug" can be an informal reference to a hidden or secret cache or stash of goods or supplies, often associated with treasures or buried items. This colloquial usage of "dug" suggests that something valuable or desired is being concealed in an undisclosed location, intriguing adventurers or treasure seekers.
In summary, "dug" primarily functions as a past tense verb for "dig", indicating the action of creating a hole. Additionally, it can serve as a noun referring to an animal's teat or a colloquial reference to a hidden store of treasures or valuables.
• The teat or pap of a cow or other beast.
• Of the verb dig, which see.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "dug" has an interesting etymology. It is a past tense and past participle form of the verb "dig", which means to break up, turn over, or remove earth or other material with a tool or by the use of hands.
The word "dig" originated from the Old English word "dīgan", which also meant to dig. This Old English word is related to the Middle Low German word "dīken" and Middle Dutch word "dīgen". These words likely derived from a common Germanic root word *dīgōną, which had the same meaning.
The deeper origins of this word are uncertain, but it is believed to have Indo-European roots.
