Right, when there is this much controversy over a plural there will never be a consensus, especially when it doesn't actually matter. The truth is that as long as people understand what you mean it doesn't matter what you use.

[–] littlebluespark@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Vernacular morphology is one thing, but in a scientific mode, this is lazy AF.

[–] IMongoose@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Mountain lions have like 30 different names and no one gets into entomology fights about them. If there is no scientific standard name like birds have use whatever makes the most sense to you or your audience.

[–] littlebluespark@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thanks for proving my point.

I completely agree that no one's likely to get into "entomology" fights over mountain lions' scientific minutiae... because they're not fucking insects. 🤦🏽‍♂️

[–] IMongoose@lemmy.world -1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I used the wrong word and you had no idea what I was talking about, you got me. Debating a word over Greek vs Latin origin on what suffix to use in the English language, which is always consistent and true to its root words, is worthy of such pedantry. I concede.

[–] littlebluespark@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

My dude, you literally illustrated my point in your hurry to reply. Own it. 🤣🤌🏽

[–] Rookwood@lemmy.world 8 points 1 year ago

Octopodomorphs if you want to be inclusive.

[–] Umbrias@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

Pus isn't the Greek form so it's neither here nor there. Octopus is an English word and as such can be pluralized in numerous ways. Octopodes is my favorite though.