I know "octopi" is normally used, but I have a vague and frustrating memory of an English teacher demonstrating why "octopuses" is actually more correct. I think the same rule is true of "platypuses", but I can't remember why! Sources, please.
2007-07-17 00:06:02 · 7 answers · asked by Jewel 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Come, on people, I've got a dinner bet riding on this! It's been a running debate for three years now, and I'd like to settle it. Best answer and 10 points to the one who helps me win!
2007-07-17 13:53:59 · update #1
As Mr Z said; but you don't double the 's' - so it's octopuses.
Octopus is from the Greek, via the Latin, so the 'correct' plural if we're really being pedantic would be octopodes.
2007-07-17 01:12:57 · answer #1 · answered by JJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"octopi" and "platypi" are not valid Latin forms, though they are used.
The Latin ending -us changes to -i in the plural only in the second declension. "Octopus", etc. is of the third declension, the correct Latinized Greek forms would be "octopodes" and "platypodes". Another example of a third declension noun that ends in '-us' is 'genus', whose Latin plural is 'genera'.
In English you can of course use the regular English plural: "octopuses" and "platypuses". Since no one uses the correct Latin/Greek declension, those are certainly more correct than '-i'.
Regarding 'virus': The Latin word 'virus' does not have a plural, because it means 'poison', which is a mass noun. It is, however, second declension, so if it had a plural, its plural would be 'viri'. But in English you always say 'viruses'.
2007-07-17 01:10:22 · answer #2 · answered by Sextus Marius 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When was the last time anyone said Octpodes?
I'm pretty sure it's octopi and platypus(pllural). Like People(plural)
2007-07-17 03:21:10 · answer #3 · answered by Crazygirl ♥ aka GT 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in english its octopusses and platypusses.
it follows the normal rule of making something plural. getting a double constanent and adding ES.
like virus and virusses. Viri is not the correct plural of Virus, even if it does sound latin. Viri in latin actually means Men/Man
2007-07-17 00:09:34 · answer #4 · answered by mrzwink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say 'babbies'. When I'm feeling extra silly, I just use babby the way it is for plural.
2016-05-20 00:16:28 · answer #5 · answered by cara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
octopuses and octopi are both acceptable.
platypuses is correct for platypus.
I love language questions!
2007-07-17 14:28:43 · answer #6 · answered by Lady Morgana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
high just to avoid the "pus*sies" i would use the Latin plural platypi, octhopi it works with latin vocabulary within medicinal terminology, it should work well in the biology as well. or just two /or more/ members of Platypus family /gens
2007-07-17 21:16:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋