mog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, slang
Quick answer
What does “mog” mean?
To move away or depart, especially in a leisurely or unsteady manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move away or depart, especially in a leisurely or unsteady manner.
To defeat or get the better of (someone). To move around aimlessly. Also used as a slang term for a domestic cat, especially in British English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun meaning 'cat' is almost exclusively British. The verb meaning 'to move away' is UK slang, largely unknown in the US.
Connotations
In the UK, 'mog' as a noun is affectionate and casual. The verb is informal and slightly whimsical.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects; much more likely to be encountered in the UK than the US.
Grammar
How to Use “mog” in a Sentence
Subject + mog (+ Adverbial of direction)Subject + mog offVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It's getting late, I'd better mog off home.
- The old car finally mogged up the hill.
American English
- (Rare/Unused) After the party, we decided to mog on out of there.
adverb
British English
- (Not used)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- She has a proper mog attitude, ignoring everyone.
American English
- (Not used)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in very informal, colloquial speech, mainly in the UK.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mog”
- Using 'mog' as a standard term for 'cat' in any formal context.
- Using the verb in American English where it is not understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is informal, low-frequency slang, primarily in British English.
Only in very casual, spoken British English. In writing or formal contexts, use 'cat'.
It's a British slang phrasal verb meaning to leave or depart.
Most Americans would not understand it unless familiar with British slang.
To move away or depart, especially in a leisurely or unsteady manner.
Mog is usually informal, slang in register.
Mog: in British English it is pronounced /mɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to mog off (to leave)”
- “mog and dog show (a chaotic event)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat named MOG who is Moving On Gently.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS DEPARTURE (to mog off). AFFECTION IS A PET NAME (mog for a cat).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'mog' in British informal English?