Something cool that I learned: the grammatical reason behind why we say “Toronto Maple Leafs,” “still lifes” and “sabertooths” instead of “Toronto Maple Leaves,” “still lives” and “saberteeth.” It has to do with a thing called exocentric or “headless” compounds.”
And I am fascinated.
(Via Bradshaw of the Future)
I'm not sure that I've grasped this completely. I understand every word he says, but trying to think it out logically with the provided examples leaves me slightly confused. Perhaps I need to comment on his blog for a more complete explanation.
ReplyDeleteAnd the last paragraph answers my question exactly. I wonder how I missed that the first read-through? Oh well.
ReplyDeleteYay understanding!
ReplyDeleteIt's the perfect time of year for "headless compounds" too. Scary!
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ReplyDeleteI welcome comments on my blog for more complete explanations about what the heck I'm talking about.
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