General
mongrel
What does mongrel mean?
A nasty or despicable person; separately, 'mongrel' can mean aggressive competitive spirit ('a bit of mongrel').
"That referee's a mongrel. / The team needs more mongrel."
Origin
From 'mongrel' (mixed-breed dog); Australian figurative senses.
Frequently asked questions
What does mongrel mean in Australian slang?
It can mean a nasty, despicable person, or separately it can describe aggressive competitive spirit, as in 'the team needs a bit of mongrel'.
Is calling someone a mongrel an insult?
Yes, in the 'despicable person' sense it's a real insult. But 'a bit of mongrel' about toughness is actually a compliment.
Where does the word mongrel come from?
It comes from 'mongrel' meaning a mixed-breed dog, which Australians extended into these figurative senses.
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