Mouses or Mice ?

The most common computer pointing device was first introduced by Douglas Engelbart in the period of 1963 – 1964. He called it a mouse after its resemblance to the small little rodent with the long cord reminding one of the disproportionately long tail of a real mouse. Since the introduction of this terminology, there have been numerous discussions on what the plural form of this device should be. Some people choose to call it mouses, while others prefer mice.

Since the device is named after a mouse some would argue that logically the plural should be mice. However, the English language does not always seem to be logical. For example, the plural form of goose is geese, while mongoose is mongooses; the plural of man is men, while that of human is humans. Radius is radii and not radiuses, as with cactus it is cacti. Louse is lice; however we prefer to say spouses and not spice.

Others claim that the word mouse is an acronym for “Manually-Operated User-Select Equipment”. For this reason the plural should be MOUSEs since acronyms are normally pluralized by adding an “s”. On the other hand if this argument is used, the plural form should stay MOUSE, since “equipment” is plural already.

To be safe and to avoid the argument it might be suggested that you refer to the plural form as “mouse devices” although it does not always feel good on the tongue. Some principals might find it offensive if you ask them how many mice they have in their computer lab.

Whether it is MOUSE, mouses or mice, you decide. I normally just prefer not to mention the plural form of the device in any official communication or report. The fact of the matter is that this is a device that we work with on a daily basis and is present in most of our houses – or is it hice?

What term do you prefer? Do you think it is about time that we decide on a standard term to be used in all Khanya schools?