Dogeared

Dog-eared is a term used to describe a page in a book that has been folded down at the corner, often to mark a place where a reader has stopped. This practice is common, though it can be controversial among bibliophiles who prefer to use bookmarks. The term "dog-eared" refers to the resemblance of the folded page to the floppy ear of a dog. While it serves a functional purpose for some readers, it is generally considered to be a form of damage to the book by those who value its pristine condition. The act of dog-earing can leave a permanent crease in the page, and over time, repeated dog-earing can lead to the corner becoming soft or torn. Many book owners consider dog-earing to be an act of disrespect towards the book. Despite this, it remains a popular and informal method of marking one's place, particularly in well-loved paperbacks. Some modern e-readers and digital reading apps incorporate a virtual dog-ear feature, allowing users to digitally mark pages without physically altering the text. This digital alternative offers a compromise for those who appreciate the convenience of marking a page but wish to avoid damaging physical books.