Doss

/dɑs/ verb

Definition

To sleep or rest in a casual or makeshift bed; British slang for sleeping rough or staying overnight.

Etymology

Possibly from Hindi 'do' meaning two, or from 'dose' related to lying down. It became British military slang and is common in British English for informal sleeping arrangements.

Kelly Says

British soldiers coined 'doss house' for cheap lodgings, and 'dossing' became the perfect slang word for sleeping anywhere when traveling—it's why backpackers and travelers still use this word today!

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