Pronunciation: [mˈɒŋɡɹə͡lz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word 'mongrels' is tricky due to the silent 'l' at the end. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈmʌŋɡrəlz/ with the emphasis on the first syllable 'mun'. The 'o' is pronounced as a short 'u' sound and the 'g' has a hard 'g' sound. The 'r' is pronounced with a slight roll of the tongue. The final 's' is pronounced with a hissing sound, while the final 'l' is not pronounced at all.
Mongrels are commonly referred to as mixed-breed dogs, which are distinguished by their parentage combining two or more different breeds. These canines often inherit a range of physical attributes and characteristics from their various ancestral lineages, leading to a unique and unpredictable appearance. Unlike purebred dogs, mongrels do not adhere to specific breeding standards or pedigrees, as they result from an unplanned mating between dogs of different breeds or unknown lineage.
The diversity of mongrels extends beyond their physical appearance, as their temperament and behavior can also vary widely. Due to their mixed ancestry, these dogs may display a combination of traits from different breeds, leading to a dynamic and individualistic personality. Mongrels are often celebrated for their intelligence, adaptability, and overall good health, as the presence of diverse genes can mitigate genetic disorders that can be prevalent in purebred dogs.
Although some may consider the term "mongrel" as derogatory or outdated, it is worth mentioning that there is a growing shift towards using more inclusive and positive terms, such as "mixed-breed" or "hybrid" dogs. Regardless of the preferred terminology, mongrels continue to bring joy, companionship, and loyalty to countless households around the world while exemplifying the beauty of canine diversity.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mongrel" has a complex etymology, derived from various sources. The term originated in the late 15th century and has since evolved in meaning. Here's an overview of its etymology:
The word "mongrel" was first recorded in the early 15th century, derived from the Middle English word "mungrell". It is believed to have come from an Anglo-Norman word "mongrel" or "mongriel", which meant "of mixed breed". This Anglo-Norman term then descended from the Old French word "mongrel" or "monterel", which also meant "of mixed race or breed".
The Old French term "monterel" has been attributed to Latin origins.
