What is the plural of octopus?- The Hidden History of English

The correct plural of octopus is octopuses. The forms “octopi” and “octopodes” have been reanalyzed forms created by others due to the word’s history as a Greek (and Latin) loan word. However, loan words in English almost always receive the regular plural ending.

Why is the plural of deer not deers? – Hidden History of English

Deer is pluralized as ‘deer’ because of the word’s history. In old English, deer did not receive a plural ending. As English changed and developed, it retained this quirk throughout its development and remains the same to this day.

Why is the Plural of Human not Humen? – The Hidden History of English

Humen is not the plural form of human because it comes into English through Latin. Words like man and woman become men and women because they are native English words. It’s similar to other -en plurals: oxen and children. Words borrowed into English don’t experience the same changes as native words do.

Why is there a D in fridge but not in refrigerator? – The Hidden History of English

“Refrigerator” was borrowed into English from Latin and keeps the Latin spelling while “fridge” is a word derived from refrigerator by English speakers. At first it was spelt “frig”, but as time went on it merged with regular spelling rules to become “fridge”; similar to words like “bridge” or “ledge”.

Why is the plural of moose not meese? – Hidden History of English

The plural of moose is not meese because the word was borrowed into English from a native American Algonquin language. The word “goose” has been with English for hundreds of years since the time of Old English. Old English words underwent sound changes that leave us with irregular plural forms.

Why is the Plural of Chief not Chieves? – Hidden History of English

The reason why the plural form of chief is not chieves is because this word was borrowed into English between 1100AD and 1400AD from Old French. During this time, English experienced many changes in grammar and vocabulary. English loanwords do not change in similar ways to native English words.

Why is it Buses Instead of Busses?

The plural for bus is buses. The confusion between buses and busses likely comes from situations where English words double their final consonant. English nouns don’t do this. It happens most often for English verbs. Busses was once acceptable as a plural for bus, but it has since fallen out of use.

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