this post was submitted on 20 May 2025
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Syllables
We're speaking English, not Greek.
I already felt like a pedantic asshole for making two corrections at once, but oh well. In for a penny, in for a pound.
The “-us” and “-i” suffix are the masculine singular/plural suffix in Latin, not Greek
Now this is top tier pedantry, ya love to see it.
Edit: if you would've subtly but deliberately screwed up that idiom, this would be elevated to a true masterpiece
This is true, but as it happens, the general conclusion (per the OED) is that syllabus isn't an authentic Latin word at all, it's a corruption or misreading of Greek sittybos as sillybus (spelling varies). So even though it's modelled after the Latin, it's already plural if the surmise is correct.
Damn. Out assholed again. Congratulations, you beat me at my own game!
(Legitimately didn’t know that, so thank you for the info!)
I used to run r/etymology, so digging deeper and being able to wrinkle my nose, furrow my brow, and out-pedantize a pedant is my specialty! And indeed, also learn something in the process.
Upvotes all around! Appreciate the corrections.