Manx mice for computers?

[Katherine Hageland]

I refer to my computer mouse as a rodent, tailess or not. Then when I need to pluralize the noun, "rodents" sounds much better to than "mouses" or even the standard "mice." I have heard many speakers do the same.

Katherine

-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Joel S. Berson" <Berson at ATT.NET>

> ---------------------- Information from the mail header -----------------------
> Sender: American Dialect Society
> Poster: "Joel S. Berson"
> Subject: Manx mice for computers?
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Some are referring to wireless (optical) computer mice as "Manx
> mice". E.g., http://www.ciao.co.uk/Trust_Ami_Mouse_Mouse__5433657, and
> http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Peripheral-Potpourri-203495.html.
>
> There is I learn today a variety of (mammalian) mouse called the Manx
> mouse--tailless, of course. Neither it nor the computer species are in OED2.
>
> Joel
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org

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The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org