October 8 - World Octopus Day

Yes, there was the big Vice Presidential Debate last night, but the big debate for today is this: What is the correct word to describe more than one octopus??? Is it octopuses or octopi? I've been saying "octopi" my whole life!

In English, the rule to pluralize is to add an "es" at the end of words ending with an "s." So, is it "octopuses?"

In Latin, you pluralize by adding an "I" at the end. So, is it "octopi?"

The word "octopus" is actually a Greek word! So, should we add "odes" to the end of "octopus;" making it, "Octopodes" (pronounced ock-TOP-uh-deez)?

If we turn to Merriam-Webster dictionary (THE spelling authority), technically all three can be used! But If we reach out to Grammarly.com and Grammar.com (for a second and third opinion), they both agree that the correct spelling is, "octopuses."

What's your opinion?

HOW TO CELEBRATE -
• Learn something new about "octopuses". . . even if it is only how to correctly describe a group of them.
• If they are open (and if you are comfortable venturing out in public), visit an aquarium.
• Go on an underwater mission with the Octonauts. In Season 2, (currently on Netflix) you can learn about the Mimic Octopus in their ♩♫ "Creature Report, Creature Report!" ♫♩

Celebrate every day in October with our exclusive printable October Desk Calendar and/or Planner Stickers: https://cutpastecelebrate.com/downloads/oct2020celebrations/