mongrel

USMONG-gruhl/ˈmɑŋ.ɡɹəl/UKMUNG-gruhl/ˈmʌŋ.ɡɹəl/

4 meanings of mongrel

1
mixed-breed dognouncountable
Someone or something that is a mix of different kinds, especially a dog.
We adopted a scruffy little mongrel from the shelter.
Our mongrel is part terrier and part who knows what.
UsageFine for dogs, like mutt. For people, it is usually rude.
Similarmutt, cur
Oppositepurebred
Note
2
mixed originadjective
Mixed from different breeds, kinds, or places.
Our mongrel puppy has a spotted coat and floppy ears.
The band plays a mongrel kind of music, part rock and part folk.
Similarhybrid, mixed
Oppositepure, purebred
3
nasty personnounslangCommonwealthIrelandUKcountable
A rough, rude, or hateful person. With poor before it, someone you feel sorry for.
Some mongrel smashed my car window and stole my bag.
The poor mongrel lost his job and his house in the same week.
Similarbastard
4
nounderogatoryethnicoffensiveslurcountable
A very rude and hurtful word for a person of mixed race.
UsageSay mixed-race instead.
Note

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From Middle English mongrel, made from mong, meaning "mixture", and an ending used to belittle.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts