Who is referred to as a mouse? - briefly
The term “mouse” designates the small rodent Mus musculus, a species that lives closely with humans worldwide. Informally, it also describes a timid or unobtrusive person.
Who is referred to as a mouse? - in detail
The term “mouse” is applied to a variety of subjects across different domains.
In zoology it denotes several small rodent species of the genus Mus and related genera. The common house mouse (Mus musculus) is the most widely recognized, inhabiting human dwellings worldwide. Other species, such as the field mouse (Apodemus spp.) and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), are identified by similar size and behavior but differ in habitat and taxonomic classification.
In technology the word identifies a handheld pointing device used with computers. The device typically consists of a housing containing sensors or a ball, buttons for input, and a cable or wireless connection. Since its introduction by Douglas Engelbart in the 1960s, the mouse has become a standard peripheral for graphical user interfaces.
In popular culture the nickname “mouse” is assigned to characters whose traits resemble timidity, small stature, or stealth. Notable examples include:
- Mickey Mouse, the animated mascot of The Walt Disney Company.
- Jerry, the mouse protagonist of the cartoon “Tom and Jerry.”
- The “Mouse” in the novel The Secret Garden (Mary Lennox’s pet).
In sports and colloquial speech the label can describe a person who moves quietly or avoids confrontation. Coaches may refer to a shy player as “the mouse” to highlight a low‑profile style of play.
In astrology the Chinese zodiac includes the Rat, often translated as “mouse,” representing the first year in the twelve‑year cycle. Traits associated with this sign are quickness, adaptability, and resourcefulness.
Thus, “mouse” serves as a descriptor for a specific rodent, a computer input device, fictional characters, a metaphor for personality, and a zodiac sign, each context providing distinct characteristics that justify the usage.