875
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] PunnyName@lemmy.world 5 points 2 years ago
[-] tamal3@lemmy.world 7 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Words in English that end in "-us" and pluralize to "-i" are from Latin, such as cactus/cacti or focus/foci. However, "octopus" is from Greek, and its correct pluralization from Greek would be "octopodes." In English, we have also adopted "octopuses," which fits our standard pluralization rules.

So, "octopi" is actually a language mix up, though one that's so common that it seems to be accepted in English.

[-] Semjaza@lemmynsfw.com 5 points 2 years ago

Actually, octopi is the "erroneous" one. Although it is a very common mistake so might make the shift to recognised before too much longer.

Everyone still understands it, so it doesn't matter.

[-] DrDystopia@lemy.lol 1 points 2 years ago

Now I wonder how Octopie tastes like. It's probably related to seafood pizza. 🫠

[-] tamal3@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

IMO it's tragic to eat such an intelligent creature. Maybe stick to these guys...? Mmmm.

[-] PunnyName@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

Seafood, eat it

this post was submitted on 02 Nov 2024
875 points (98.8% liked)

Science Memes

21155 readers
1 users here now

Welcome to c/science_memes @ Mander.xyz!

A place for majestic STEMLORD peacocking, as well as memes about the realities of working in a lab.



Rules

  1. Don't throw mud. Behave like an intellectual and remember the human.
  2. Keep it rooted (on topic).
  3. No spam.
  4. Infographics welcome, get schooled.


Research Committee

Other Mander Communities

Science and Research

Biology and Life Sciences

Physical Sciences

Humanities and Social Sciences

Practical and Applied Sciences

Memes

Miscellaneous

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS