mongrel
UK: ˈmʌŋɡrəl | US: ˈmʌŋɡrəl
n. 1. A dog of mixed breed, typically not belonging to any recognized breed.
n. 2. (Derogatory) A person or thing of mixed origin or uncertain composition.
The word "mongrel" originates from Middle English mong (a variant of "ming," meaning "to mix") + the diminutive suffix -rel (often implying something small or inferior). The term initially referred to mixed-breed dogs and later extended metaphorically to people or things of mixed or dubious origin. The suffix -rel carries a pejorative tone, reinforcing the word's negative connotation in certain contexts.
The stray dog was a friendly mongrel with no distinct breed traits.
He proudly adopted a mongrel puppy from the shelter.
(Derogatory) The politician was criticized as a mongrel of conflicting ideologies.
Medieval texts sometimes used "mongrel" to describe hybrid plants.
Despite its mixed heritage, the mongrel was exceptionally intelligent.