# mongrel

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈmʌŋ.ɡɹəl/ · frequency rank #44,349

## Definitions
1. Someone or something of mixed kind or uncertain origin, especially a dog.
2. Someone or something of mixed kind or uncertain origin, especially a dog.
3. A thuggish, obnoxious, or contemptible person; (often preceded by "poor") a pitiable person.
4. An erect penis; an erection.

## Etymology
From Middle English mongrel, equivalent to mong (“mixture”) + -rel (pejorative diminutive); from Old English ġemang (“mingling”) (whence Modern English among), from Proto-Germanic *mang- (“mix”).

## Easily confused with
- **morel** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mongrel-vs-morel)
- **Montreal** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mongrel-vs-montreal)
- **Mongol** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mongol-vs-mongrel)
- **monger** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/monger-vs-mongrel)

## Common misspellings (11)
`mmongrel`, `mnogrel`, `mognrel`, `mongerl`, `monggrel`, `mongrell`, `mongrle`, `mongrrel`, `monngrel`, `monrgel`, `omngrel`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/mongrel