• illectrility
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    9
    ·
    8 months ago

    I came here to say that opossum is spelt with an o. I was wrong, it’s optional

    • LordAmplifier@pawb.social
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      8 months ago

      Since when did they change it to opossum? When I was comin’ up it was just possum. Opossum makes it sound like he’s Irish or something. Why do they gotta go changing everything?

      • mxcory@lemmy.blahaj.zone
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        8
        ·
        8 months ago

        Opossum (North America) and Possum (Australia) are two different animals.

        However if you are in the US and say “possum” people will know which animal you are most likely talking about.

        There is nothing wrong with saying possum instead of opossum in general conversation though.

        Quick search says they have had their name since early 1600s.