subs. phr. (common).—The ‘dogs’ which spell ‘ruin.’ Originally a Dickensism (see quot., 1838). For analogues, see DEAD BROKE.
1838. DICKENS, Nicholas Nickleby, lxiv. ‘I beg its little pardon,’ said Mr. Mantalini, dropping the handle of the mangle, and folding his palms together, ‘it is all up with its handsome friend! He has gone to the DEMNITION BOW-WOWS.’
1888. New York Herald, 25 March. There are some men who, if they don’t make twice as much as they expect to make, will cry hard times, and say that general business is going to the DEMNITION BOW-WOWS, but these men would say the same thing in any event.
1889. The Nation, 19 Dec., p. 499, col. 1. Our great farming industry—the very soil of National growth—is not going to the DEMNITION BOW-WOWS.
