In the context of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book stories, the name "Mowgli" is said to mean "bald," specifically referring to his lack of fur as a human child raised by animals.
Origin and Interpretation of the Name
While the meaning "bald" is attributed to Mowgli within the narratives of The Jungle Book, its creator, Rudyard Kipling, provided insight into its linguistic origin. Kipling stated that he "made up" the name Mowgli. He also clarified that it does not mean "frog" in any language he was aware of. This highlights that "Mowgli" is not a word with a pre-existing English translation or meaning in other established languages but rather a unique creation whose in-story significance was established by Kipling himself.
Key aspects of the name "Mowgli":
- In-Story Meaning: Within the context of Kipling's tales, the name signifies "bald," humorously pointing out Mowgli's difference (lack of body hair) from his animal family.
- Linguistic Creation: The name was invented by Rudyard Kipling. It is an original coinage rather than being derived from an existing word in any language.
- Misconception Clarification: Kipling explicitly denied that the name has any connection to the word "frog" in any known language.
