Mew — meanings in language, places, and popular culture

Mew as an animal sound and verb

Most commonly, "mew" describes the high, thin cry made by kittens and small birds; as a verb it means "to make such a sound." In older or literary usage, "to mew" can also mean to confine or shut up, especially in the phrase "to mew up." Falconry inherited a related sense: the "mews" were originally the cages or buildings where hawks were kept during moulting.

Mews: architecture and urban history

In British English, a "mews" (plural also "mews") is a row or courtyard of former stables and carriage houses, typically found behind grand urban houses. Built in the 18th and 19th centuries, many mews have been converted into residences, workshops or boutique businesses. The term evokes a particular urban form: narrow lanes, cobbled yards and low-rise buildings adapted from service use to contemporary living.

Mew in popular culture: Pokémon

In the Pokémon franchise, Mew is a small, catlike mythical creature introduced in the original generation of games and media. It is notable within the series as a rare and enigmatic species often tied to themes of origin and genetics; another character, Mewtwo, was conceived from Mew’s genetic material in the franchise’s storyline. Mew’s status as a rarity helped make it a memorable part of Pokémon lore.

Other uses and notable instances

The short form "MEW" is widely recognized in cryptocurrency circles as the abbreviation for MyEtherWallet, a web-based tool for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain. Separately, Mew is the name of a Danish rock band known for atmospheric alternative rock; it is also a surname and appears in various titles and nicknames. Context usually makes clear which meaning is intended.

Distinctions and guidance

• When spoken of animals, "mew" refers to sound or the action of making that sound.
• When capitalized in entertainment or technology, "Mew" or "MEW" often denotes a proper noun (Pokémon, band, or product).
• In place names and historical descriptions, "mews" indicates former stables or service yards, especially in British cities.