What Do You Call More Than One Prius?
1/29/08
Academics Say ‘Priora’ is the Answer
I’ve never taken a Latin class. I vaguely remember learning Latin roots as part of an English class more moons ago than I care to count, but that’s it. Still, I like Latin, or at least the idea of it. I think it would be fun to find out where words come from and what they mean. Plus, it’d make me sound wicked smart. I bring this up because there’s been some buzz about an article from The Boston Globe that discusses what is the plural of Prius.
Now, all us non-Latin-knowing plebians might guess “Priuses” or “Prii.” More knowledgeable folks than I proposed “Prioria.” In that Boston Globe piece, the correct term is determined to be “Priora,” not “Prioria” Why, pray tell? Well, because it’s neuter plural, of course. That term was enough to scare me off my “ooh-wouldn’t-it-be-fun-to-take-a-Latin-class” kick, and I’ll let you think up your own understanding of “neuter plural” in the comments section below.
Anyway, the article also says that if you happen to name your car and in so doing declare that its gender is female, you can go with the plural being “Priores.” Again, I’ll let you come up with your own response to “Priores.” Personally, I wonder if it could have been a hint for the name of Jerry’s girlfriend in that now-infamous “Seinfeld” episode.
Anyway, regardless of all the hullaballoo, it’s nice to have that plural-of-Prius issue settled. Now I can go figure out why someone chose to name that new little car company out of India “Tata.”
Comments
A quick search of Google would have revealed that Tata Motors was established in 1945 so is not such a new manufacturer. I'll continue to call more than one Prius, Prius.
ie: - I saw 5 Prius today.
No matter what you call 1 or more Prius, I still love mine.
Posted by: PatSparks | Jan 30, 2008 6:31:29 AM
Hmmm...More than one?
I'd call it 'heavenly'!
!Superste Diem!
Posted by: patrickindallas | Jan 30, 2008 7:46:18 AM
Actually yes, I know about Tata Motors. I just thought I'd make a joke there. Anyway, stay tuned, we're posting a blog about them soon.
Posted by: Sara Lacey | Jan 30, 2008 8:23:03 AM
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That Seinfeld reference rocked! Very funny stuff.
Posted by: Bowrider | Jan 29, 2008 7:55:46 PM