Pronunciation: [mˈʌlɪt] (IPA) 
The word "mullet" (/'mʌlɪt/) is commonly mispronounced and misspelled due to its similarity to the word "bullet". The correct phonetic transcription of this word uses the letter "u" instead of "o", as it is pronounced as a short vowel sound. Additionally, the "-et" at the end of the word is pronounced as "it", which is often overlooked. "Mullet" refers to both a type of fish and a hairstyle popularized in the 1980s.
A mullet is a versatile term with multiple meanings depending on the context. One of the primary definitions of a mullet refers to a type of fish, specifically a species belonging to the family Mugilidae. These fish are commonly found in coastal areas and often have elongated bodies, with a dark greenish-grey or silver appearance. They are known for their ability to adapt to both freshwater and saltwater environments.
However, in modern colloquial usage, the term "mullet" most commonly refers to a distinctive hairstyle. The mullet hairstyle is characterized by having short hair on the front and sides of the head, while the back is left considerably longer. This style gained popularity in the 1980s and early 1990s and was often associated with the working class and individuals who favored an alternative or rebellious fashion sense.
The term "mullet" can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is perceived as being a combination of contrasting or incongruous elements. This usage is often employed in a pejorative manner to criticize or mock something that is seen as tacky, tasteless, or lacking aesthetic appeal.
Overall, the term "mullet" can refer to a fish, a hairstyle, or a metaphorical concept representing a blend of opposing characteristics.
• A sea-fish of several species having two long appendages hanging from the under lip.
• In her., a figure resembling the rowel of a spur.
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 "mullet" has an interesting etymology. Its origin can be traced back to the Latin word "mullus", which referred to a type of fish. The Romans often consumed this fish, and its name eventually evolved to "mulet" in Old French, which then transformed into "mullet" in Middle English. Interestingly, the term "mullet" was also used to describe a hairstyle resembling the fish, with short hair in the front and longer hair at the back. The comparison may have been made due to the resemblance between the fish's body shape, wider in the front and narrower at the back, and the hairstyle.
