Etymology

Unknown origin. There are several theories, none with much evidence.

Perhaps from Proto-Germanic *dukkǭ ‎(“power, strength, muscle”) + diminutive suffix -ga, probably meaning “little dynamo” in the original sense. Akin, if so, to Old English -docce ‎(“muscle”) (compare fingerdocce ‎(“finger-muscle”)).

Perhaps from Cornish dorg ‎(“terrier”), from Cornish dor ‎(“earth or ground”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈdoɡɡa/