When you hear 'mustang' are you hearing English or Spanish (USA)?

'Mustang' is a word borrowed from Spanish (USA) 'mustang'. The word entered the English language some time around 1808.

mustang [noun] [1808]

• a small hardy naturalized horse of United States western plains directly descended from horses brought in by the Spania...
• bronc
• a commissioned officer (as in the United States Navy) who has risen from the ranks

See 'mustang' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Spanish (USA).

Etymology: Mexican Spanish 'mestengo' from Spanish, stray, from 'mesteño' strayed, from 'mesta' annual roundup of cattle that disposed of strays, from Medieval Latin ('animalia') 'mixta' mixed animals

See more loan words from 1800s.