What’s the Plural of Hippopotamus? Is it Hippopotamuses?

When it comes to understanding the plural of hippopotamus, many people find themselves asking, what is the plural of hippopotamus? Is it hippopotamuses or hippopotami? Let’s dive into this question and explore the different options, all while discussing the fascinating animal itself.

What is a Hippopotamus?

Before we dive into plural forms, it’s essential to first understand what a hippopotamus is. A hippopotamus, often called a hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa.

The name hippopotamus comes from the Greek words “hippos,” meaning horse, and “potamos,” meaning river—so the term literally translates to “river horse.”

These animals are best known for their massive size and semi-aquatic nature. Hippopotamuses spend much of their time submerged in rivers and lakes, which provides them with the cool environment they need to survive in the hot African climate.

Hippopotamus Habitat

Hippopotamuses prefer habitats near rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They are often found in regions with abundant freshwater, where they can wallow in the mud or water to keep cool.

These creatures are mostly nocturnal, spending their days in the water and coming out at night to feed on grasses.

The Plural of Hippopotamus:

Hippopotamuses or Hippopotami?

Now, let’s get to the core of the question: what’s the plural of hippopotamus? Is it hippopotamuses or hippopotami? Understanding this requires looking at the rules of English grammar, especially when dealing with words that come from Latin.

Hippopotamuses:

The Modern Plural

In modern English, the most widely accepted plural form of hippopotamus is hippopotamuses. This follows the typical English plural rules—adding an -es to words that end in -s, -x, -z, or -sh.

Example Scenario:

Email to a Zoologist

Subject: Clarification on Plural Forms of Hippopotamus

Dear Dr. Jackson,

I hope this email finds you well. I’ve been reading about hippopotamuses recently and came across two possible plural forms: hippopotamuses and hippopotami. I understand that hippopotamuses is more commonly used, but I wanted to confirm which form would be best for an upcoming article.

Looking forward to your advice!

Best regards,
Sarah Moore

In this scenario, Sarah uses hippopotamuses, which is the preferred plural form in casual or everyday contexts.

Hippopotami:

The Latin Plural

The form hippopotami follows the rules of Latin plurals, where words ending in -us are pluralized by changing the -us to -i. Since the word hippopotamus comes from Latin, you can technically use hippopotami as a plural form, especially in more formal or academic contexts.

Example Scenario:

Academic Paper

Title: The Evolution of Hippopotami in Africa

In this study, we examine the behavioral patterns of hippopotami in their native habitat. These creatures, once found in a wide range of regions, now predominantly inhabit sub-Saharan Africa. Their social structures and feeding habits are critical components of their survival.

In this academic example, hippopotami is used due to its connection with the traditional Latin pluralization rules.

Plural of Hippo:

A Shorthand Version

When it comes to hippos—the casual, shorthand version of hippopotamus—the plural is simply hippos. This follows the standard English rule of adding -s to form the plural.

Example Scenario:

Casual Conversation

Friend 1: “Did you see those hippos at the zoo?”

Friend 2: “Yes! There were like five hippos swimming in the water. They’re so big!”

In this informal context, hippos is the correct plural, as it’s a common and easy way to refer to the animals.

Difference Between Hippo and Hippopotamus

While the terms hippopotamus and hippo are often used interchangeably, it’s helpful to understand the difference between hippo and hippopotamus. Hippo is simply a shortened, more casual version of hippopotamus. In scientific and formal writing, hippopotamus is typically preferred, while hippo is often used in everyday conversation.

Group of Hippopotamuses:

The Bloat

Did you know that a group of hippopotamuses is called a bloat? This term is fitting, given the animal’s massive size. A bloat of hippopotamuses is often seen in the water, where they socialize and keep cool.

Example Scenario: Nature Documentary

Narrator: “In the African wild, a bloat of hippopotamuses can be seen lounging in the river. These aquatic mammals are highly social and form tight-knit groups that communicate through various vocalizations and behaviors.”

Here, the term bloat is used to describe a group of hippopotamuses, further emphasizing the social nature of these animals.

Hippopotamus Behavior and Conservation

Hippopotamus Behavior

Despite their bulky appearance, hippopotamuses are known for their surprising speed, especially when they are in the water. They are powerful swimmers and can move quickly across land as well. Hippopotamuses are territorial creatures, and their interactions with each other can be both aggressive and protective, particularly when defending their space in the water.

Hippopotamus Conservation

While they may seem abundant, hippopotamuses face growing threats. Habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks are major concerns. As a result, hippopotamus conservation efforts are essential to ensure their survival in the wild.

Table: Interesting Hippopotamus Facts

Fact	Detail
Scientific Name	Hippopotamus amphibius
Habitat	Rivers, lakes, and wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa
Diet	Herbivorous – primarily grasses
Size	Weight: 1,500 to 4,500 kg (3,300 to 9,900 lbs)
Speed	Up to 30 km/h (18 mph) on land
Group Name	Bloat (group of hippopotamuses)
Threats	Poaching, habitat loss, climate change

Latin Plurals:

Understanding the Rule

The discussion of hippopotamus plural forms also brings us to the broader topic of Latin plurals in English. Many animal names, including hippopotamus, are derived from Latin and follow specific pluralization rules.

In Latin, words ending in -us change to -i in the plural, which is why hippopotami is technically the traditional plural form. However, hippopotamuses has become the dominant plural form in everyday English.

Example Scenario:

Grammar Lesson for Students

Teacher: “When we look at words like hippopotamus, which come from Latin, we follow the rule that words ending in -us often change to -i in the plural, making it hippopotami. However, in modern English, the plural form hippopotamuses is more commonly used.”

Conclusion:

Which Plural Form Should You Use?

To summarize, both hippopotamuses and hippopotami are correct, but the more commonly used form in contemporary English is hippopotamuses. Whether you’re writing a casual email, academic paper, or casual blog post, choosing the right plural form depends on the context.

• Use hippopotamuses in everyday writing and speech.
• Use hippopotami in more formal or academic contexts when referring to the traditional Latin plural form.