Use monger by itself rarely. In modern English it is most common in compounds such as fishmonger, cheesemonger, and ironmonger.
Use monger by itself rarely. In modern English it is most common in compounds such as fishmonger, cheesemonger, and ironmonger.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| He is a fishmonger of shoes. | He is a fishmonger. |
| Monger always means monster. | Monger means dealer or seller, or someone who spreads something harmful. |
| A cheesemonger sells fear. | A cheesemonger sells cheese. |
| The monger fishes sold me. | The fishmonger sold me fish. |
Use -monger compounds carefully because they are usually critical or accusatory. Fearmonger, rumor-monger, and warmonger sound strong.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| A fearmonger sells fish. | A fearmonger spreads fear. |
| She is monger of rumors. | She is a rumor-monger. |
| Warmonger is a compliment. | Warmonger is usually a criticism. |
| He mongered in kindness. | He mongered rumors. |
In modern English, use it mainly as part of a compound. Standalone monger sounds old-fashioned or literary.
Monger does not mean monster. Depending on the compound, it means a dealer or someone who spreads something harmful.
From Old English mangere, a trader or merchant, connected with trade. Later it became part of compound trade names and negative words such as warmonger.
What does monger mean?
It means a dealer in a particular good, or someone who spreads something harmful in compounds like fearmonger.
Is monger common by itself?
Not very. It is more common in compounds such as fishmonger, cheesemonger, fearmonger, and warmonger.
What does fishmonger mean?
A fishmonger is a person or business that sells fish and seafood.
What does fearmonger mean?
A fearmonger is someone who spreads fear or panic.
Is warmonger negative?
Yes. Warmonger is usually a criticism of someone seen as promoting war.
Is monger the same as monster?
No. Monger is about dealing or spreading. Monster means a frightening creature or cruel person.
How do you use monger in a sentence?
For example: The article called him a fearmonger.