mongo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowSlang, offensive, vulgar, extremely dated
Quick answer
What does “mongo” mean?
An offensive slang term for a person with intellectual disability, derived from 'mongoloid' (an outdated and offensive medical term).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An offensive slang term for a person with intellectual disability, derived from 'mongoloid' (an outdated and offensive medical term).
In UK slang, can also refer to something considered foolish, stupid, or ridiculous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily found in British and Australian slang. It is largely unknown or unused in American English, where similar derogatory slang exists but 'mongo' is not standard.
Connotations
Extremely offensive and insulting in all contexts. Its use is associated with prejudice and ignorance.
Frequency
Usage has declined sharply since the mid-to-late 20th century due to increased awareness of its offensiveness. It is rarely encountered in contemporary speech or writing.
Grammar
How to Use “mongo” in a Sentence
Used as a noun (countable)Used as an adjective (attributive)Examples
Examples of “mongo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- That was a mongo thing to say. (offensive, dated)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unacceptable in any professional context.
Academic
Unacceptable and considered highly offensive. Historically appears only in discredited medical texts.
Everyday
Unacceptable and offensive in contemporary usage. May be heard rarely in very dated or deliberately offensive speech.
Technical
No acceptable technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mongo”
- Using it at all is a major mistake.
- Confusing it with the name of the database system 'MongoDB'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is widely considered a highly offensive and derogatory term.
It is a shortening of the outdated and offensive medical term 'mongoloid', which was once incorrectly used to describe people with Down syndrome.
Yes, but context is critical. 'Mongo' is also a casual name for the database MongoDB, and is a prefix in words like 'mongoose' and 'Mongolia'. The offensive slang term is a distinct usage.
Learners should be aware it exists as an example of offensive language to be avoided, but should not attempt to use it or incorporate it into their active vocabulary.
An offensive slang term for a person with intellectual disability, derived from 'mongoloid' (an outdated and offensive medical term).
Mongo is usually slang, offensive, vulgar, extremely dated in register.
Mongo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒŋɡəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːŋɡoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Avoid this word completely; remember it is a shortened, offensive form of 'Mongoloid'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISABILITY IS INFERIORITY (an offensive and rejected metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason 'mongo' is not used?