• LordAmplifier@pawb.social
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    8 months ago

    Since when did they change it to opossum? When I was comin’ up it was just possum. Opossum makes it sound like he’s Irish or something. Why do they gotta go changing everything?

    • mxcory@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      8 months ago

      Opossum (North America) and Possum (Australia) are two different animals.

      However if you are in the US and say “possum” people will know which animal you are most likely talking about.

      There is nothing wrong with saying possum instead of opossum in general conversation though.

      Quick search says they have had their name since early 1600s.