Meaning of the word mongrel in English

What does mongrel mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

mongrel

US /ˈmʌŋ.ɡrəl/
UK /ˈmʌŋ.ɡrəl/

Noun

1.

a dog of no definable type or breed

Example:
Our family adopted a cute little mongrel from the shelter.
He prefers mongrels to purebred dogs because they often have fewer health issues.
2.

a person of mixed race or origin (often offensive)

Example:
The term 'mongrel' can be used offensively to describe people of mixed heritage.
Historically, the word 'mongrel' was sometimes applied to people in a derogatory way.

Adjective

of mixed origin or character

Example:
The architecture was a mongrel mix of styles from different eras.
His writing style is a mongrel blend of formal and informal language.