I say when you're talking about an inanimate object like a computer mouse that instead of calling the plural "mice" one should say "mouses". Eh?
2006-07-16 13:46:37 · 12 answers · asked by Snake Oil 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Thanks for the replies to my inquiry. I had no idea there were so many folks with an opinion on the issue. BUT just so you are all aware the term mouses is "legal" it's just not used. I'm just saying that it should be used.
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/mouses
"4. plural also mous·es : a small mobile manual device that controls movement of the cursor and selection of functions on a computer display"
2006-07-17 10:24:57 · update #1
For what it's worth, I agree with the desire to call them mouses. But it has nothing to do with mouses being inanimate. I think most people think of little gray squeakers when they hear the word "mice."
There appears to be no documentable widespread usage of "mouses," however.
2006-07-16 13:52:48 · answer #1 · answered by Maureen F 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It may be a moot point if "mouse" is the only animal term with a "non-s plural" used to denote an inanimate object, but I have to take issue. If a singular "animal term" takes an "irregular" plural, I honestly don't see the need to create a second "standardised" plural in the event it is subsequently applied to an inanimate device. For the sake of argument, if someone invented a new device called a "sheep", would you argue that two or more of them should be called "sheeps"? If somebody invented a new device called a "cow", why would "cows" be acceptable for 2 or more of them?
2006-07-16 15:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it comes to the mouse used on computers, mice, which is the plural is good, if you have more than one Other wise mouse. Our mousse.
2006-07-16 14:18:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The plural of mouse, regardless of its animation, is mice.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/mouse.htm
"Mice first broke onto the public stage with the introduction of the Apple Macintosh in 1984, and since then they have helped to completely redefine the way we use computers."
2006-07-16 13:52:13 · answer #4 · answered by cotopaxi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son has three computers and also owns a snake. If he says that he bought two mice today I would assume he bought rodents. I believe "computer mice" should be the correct term.
2006-07-16 14:05:24 · answer #5 · answered by stward101 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inanimate or not, the plural of the word is the same. Sorry - your logic does not apply!
2006-07-16 13:51:22 · answer #6 · answered by tampamar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter, the word is still the same, whether you are referring to the animal or the inanimate object.
2006-07-16 13:50:46 · answer #7 · answered by Pirate_Wench 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The computer dorks at my work call them mice.
2006-07-16 14:00:39 · answer #8 · answered by sweetnessmo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the guy right ahead of me. "Mice" sounds like vermin.
2006-07-16 13:58:13 · answer #9 · answered by kitten lover3 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would still use mice.
2006-07-16 13:49:46 · answer #10 · answered by Me in Canada eh 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋