The spelling of the word "mongoos" may be in question due to its singular form, "mongoose," being a more commonly recognized spelling. However, "mongoos" is a legitimate alternative spelling for the plural form of the word. It is pronounced /ˈmɒŋɡəs/ (mong-guhs) in IPA phonetics. The word refers to a small carnivorous animal, known for its agility and ability to kill venomous snakes. Despite debates over its spelling, the mongoose remains an intriguing creature in the animal kingdom.
The word "mongoos" or "mongoose" is derived from the Marathi word "mangūs", which was anglicized as "mungoose". Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Maharashtra state of India. Ultimately, the Marathi term can be traced back to the Dravidian languages, where it is believed to have originated from the Tamil word "muṅkuṇu". The term "muṅkuṇu" refers to a type of small Indian mongoose. Over time, the word was adopted into various European languages, including English, where it became "mongoose".