Pronunciation: [lˈɛmɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "lemming" is spelled with a double M, despite the fact that the pronunciation of the word does not contain a prolonged or emphasized M sound. The spelling, which originates from Old Norse, is due to the fact that in the Norwegian language, the double M represents a long, nasalized vowel. In phonetic transcription, "lemming" is pronounced as /ˈlɛmɪŋ/, with the emphasis on the first syllable and a soft, silent M at the end.
Lemmings are small, mouselike rodents that belong to the family Cricetidae. They inhabit the Arctic tundra regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The term "lemming" refers not only to a specific type of rodent but also to the common myth that they engage in mass suicidal behavior.
Lemmings are known for their cyclic population patterns. Every few years, their population undergoes a significant increase, causing mass migrations. During these migrations, large numbers of lemmings move together in search of new habitats, often crossing rivers and obstacles. However, the belief that lemmings commit suicide by jumping off cliffs into the water during these mass migrations is a misconception perpetuated by popular culture and the media.
Typically, lemmings feed on a variety of vegetative materials, including grasses, mosses, and roots. They are primarily herbivorous, relying on plant matter for their sustenance. These small rodents play an important role in the Arctic ecosystem as a food source for predators such as owls, foxes, and stoats.
In a broader sense, the term "lemming" has come to represent the concept of blindly following others without individual thought or reasoning. This figurative usage is often applied to humans who unquestioningly conform to trends or beliefs of a group, irrespective of their personal judgments or opinions.
A kind of rat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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 "lemming" originated from the Norwegian language. It comes from the Norwegian dialectal word "lemje" or "lemming", which means "lemme" or "lame", suggesting a crippled, limping creature. In Old Norse, "lemja" refers to "to run about", which is possibly a reference to the frenzied movements of lemmings during their migrations. The term was first recorded in English in the early 18th century, specifically referring to the small, rodent-like creatures found in Northern Europe. Over time, "lemming" became associated with their characteristic mass migrations and suicidal behavior, despite the misconception that lemmings intentionally jump off cliffs.
