Have you ever wondered, “Why is a computer mouse called the mouse?” Who first came up with the term, and what was the reasoning behind it, given that none of the other computer components have such weird or unscientific names? When the thought hit me, I immediately got down to find out the history behind it. And the results were interesting.
Here’s all I found out about the computer mouse!
What was the first computer mouse called?
The first computer mouse was called “X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System,” a clear reference to its functionality, i.e., controlling the display cursor along an X and Y axis.
The first mouse prototype, developed in 1964 at the Stanford Research Institute by Douglas Englebart, featured two wheels fitted to a wooden box, which controlled the movement of the cursor. There was also a button at the top. It was a simple, yet remarkable innovation!
When and why did we start calling it a “Mouse”?
The earliest reference could be traced back to 1968, when, during a presentation titled “Mother of All Demos,” Douglas Englebart called it a mouse. Englebart then said, “I don’t know why we call it a mouse. Sometimes, I apologize. It started that way, and we never did change it.“
Reports from those days suggest that its resemblance to a real mouse (rodent) led to the term, and it caught on, never to be changed, even as the mouse (the hardware one) underwent drastic improvements, both in terms of appearance and functionality.
If you look at the picture of the first mouse or any created until the last decade (the wired ones), it bears a clear resemblance to rodents. They pretty much have the same shape, and the wire connecting the mice to the PC mimics the tail.
Later, as companies started manufacturing optical mice with multiple buttons and a scroll wheel, they just called it a “Mouse.” And it’s reasonable. The term had gained popularity by the 1980s, and changing it didn’t make much sense.
On the positive side, a “Mouse” is still a much simpler name than “X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System!”
Personally, I feel these names would have done justice to one of the most critical pieces of hardware
Since most computer components have names that clearly define their purpose, for instance, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and the CPU (Central Processing Unit), it makes sense that a better name be assigned to the mouse.
Say, something along the lines of Cursor Controller (CC), Pointer Controller (PC), or Cursor Navigation Device (CND). Or if we were to add a bit of humour to it, say a Cursor Cruiser or Click Critter, with both names perfectly highlighting its core function.
Let’s be honest, it’s going to be called a mouse for decades to come. Perhaps newer versions may have names more aligned with the functionality, just as the built-in mouse on a laptop is called a “Touchpad” or “Trackpad”.
So, that’s all about how and why a computer mouse is called a mouse. Frankly, I, too, was a tiny bit shocked about not finding some great stories about the etymology, but it is how it is. Sometimes, tech names are just that charmingly simple!
Before you leave, check our dedicated guide on the 101 most useful keyboard shortcuts to improve productivity on a Windows PC.
And don’t forget to share what you would like to call the mouse in the comments section below!
With over five years of experience in the tech industry, Kazim excels at simplifying complex topics, making them accessible to tech enthusiasts and general readers alike. He has contributed to several renowned publications worldwide, including WindowsReport and Allthings.how, bringing insightful coverage of key developments in the field.
Kazim has extensively covered the Windows ecosystem, from the early days of Windows 7 to Windows 11. Unlike many in the field, he’s optimistic about Windows 11, calling it the most user-oriented iteration to date.
When he’s not writing, you’ll find Kazim planning weekend getaways or diving into tech verticals beyond his expertise.
