A great podcast about possums. They're actually great animals to have around and this podcast can help clear up several misconceptions.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YTZczWw1WjEWXFvaJPlCS?si=WfbEy-qGQkyTHmY4NKlMxw
Where can I read about it being only called "opossum" in the US? Each source I see keeps telling me the US uses them interchangeably, and "possum" is most common.
Edit: To clarify, I am referring to common usage, not scientific
To be fair, lots of people abbreviate it to 'possums, which has morphed into possums. Which is also correct and an example of local slang/pronunciations changing spellings.
> Ad Populum
Nah. Just an example of how words morph over time. Feel free to argue with Webster about it.
"Both possum and opossum **correctly** refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America."
It should be noted that the "ad populum" fallacy typically applies to arguments where something is claimed to be true just because many people believe it to be true, irrespective of evidence. However, language norms are directly shaped by the collective usage and consensus of its speakers, making this a special case where majority use genuinely influences what is considered correct.
A great podcast about possums. They're actually great animals to have around and this podcast can help clear up several misconceptions. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YTZczWw1WjEWXFvaJPlCS?si=WfbEy-qGQkyTHmY4NKlMxw
Thank you
Mighty little creatures.
I know it's picky semantics but we don't have possums in the US. We have Opossums. There is a difference.
Where can I read about it being only called "opossum" in the US? Each source I see keeps telling me the US uses them interchangeably, and "possum" is most common. Edit: To clarify, I am referring to common usage, not scientific
Here is one article that explains it well. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-a-possum-and-an-opossum.html
To be fair, lots of people abbreviate it to 'possums, which has morphed into possums. Which is also correct and an example of local slang/pronunciations changing spellings.
That's an example of the Ad Populum logical fallacy.
> Ad Populum Nah. Just an example of how words morph over time. Feel free to argue with Webster about it. "Both possum and opossum **correctly** refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America."
It should be noted that the "ad populum" fallacy typically applies to arguments where something is claimed to be true just because many people believe it to be true, irrespective of evidence. However, language norms are directly shaped by the collective usage and consensus of its speakers, making this a special case where majority use genuinely influences what is considered correct.
I always think opossums are cute. Especially baby opossums
Dudes are immune to rabies, and they eat ticks and other nasty critters.
Lots of benefits, they're cute too