MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why is a computer mouse called a mouse?

Office worker hand using computer mouse

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why is a computer mouse called a mouse?

You’re probably using one right now. The reason it’s called a mouse is pretty obvious. It’s small and quick and the cord that connects to the computer is similar to the mouse’s tail. But did you know that it wasn’t always named after this famous rodent?

Early versions of what we all know as the computer “mouse” now actually referred to it as a turtle. Which also makes a lot of sense! Turtle’s have a hard shell on top and moving parts underneath. Back in those days computer experts weren’t sure that we as consumers would embrace “the turtle” so they went with mouse instead. Which seems to have worked.

 

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