Why are mice called mice?

The word "mouse" has an interesting history, with its origins rooted in Old English and beyond:

* Old English: The word "mūs" was used for the small rodent.

* Proto-Germanic: This word likely evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*mūs*".

* Proto-Indo-European: The word may have ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European word "*mūs*", which referred to a "mouse."

So, while we don't have a definitive "why" behind the naming, it seems like the word "mouse" has been associated with these small rodents for a very long time, possibly stretching back thousands of years.

It's possible the name came from the quiet, scurrying movement of mice, which might have been reminiscent of whispering or secret movements (think of "mousy" as a descriptor). However, this is just speculation.

Ultimately, the true origin of the word "mouse" is lost to time, but its ancient roots are clear!