mongrel
mongrel Lexical Profile
mongrel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) of no definable type or breed, typically resulting from unselective mating between different breeds.
"They adopted a friendly, scruffy mongrel from the local animal shelter."
Any animal, plant, or thing resulting from the crossing or mixture of different breeds, varieties, or origins.
"The vehicle was an unusual mongrel assembled from spare parts of three different tractor models."
Australian A despicable, unpleasant, or contemptible person (also used in New Zealand).
"Some heartless mongrel broke into the community center and stole the charity funds."
• adjective
Of mixed origin, breed, or character; not of a pure or homogeneous type.
"English is a richly expressive language with a mongrel vocabulary drawn from Germanic, Romance, and classical roots."
Word Nuance & Usage
While commonly used for mixed-breed dogs, applying 'mongrel' to people or their heritage is strongly derogatory and offensive.
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in late Middle English, the word derives from an obsolete root 'mong' meaning 'mixture' (related to Old English 'gemang' and 'mingle') combined with the diminutive and often pejorative suffix '-rel'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.