The term "mice" (as a plural for "computer mouse") grew in popularity simply because of common usage among everyday people. But "mice" refers to rodents, not computer peripherals. Microsoft uses the term "mouse devices" to signify the plural, and has done officially since 1995 when they published "Microsoft's Manual of Style for Technical Writers", under the heading, "Referring to the Mouse Correctly", instructing employees to avoid the term "mice", although they do sometimes refer to the plural, "mouses" (as in their renaming a quickbasic directory from "mouse" to "mouses"). But the bigger problem is walking into a computer store and up to the salesman and asking him if he has mouse balls.
But the bigger problem is walking into a computer store and up to the salesman and asking him if he has mouse balls.
That's interesting, I wasn't aware of that. However, a Yahoo search of "keyboards mouses" produces 600 hits, while "keyboards mice" produces about 586,000 hits. I'd suggest that common usage has adapted the "rodent" plural for mouse. And when common opinion weighs heavily in, that's where it's gonna go. Take the meaning of peruse for instance. Most folks think it means to glance through, but it really means to study thoroughly (check any handy dictionary). Eventually, the meaning will be changed to reflect the opinion of the Great Unwashed.
And everyone thinks "podium" means the "lectern", but it denotes the stage floor (note the prefix 'pod' for feet). And people think "loose" means "lose" and 'there's" means "theirs" and then there's that weird phenomena about pluralizing by incorrectly adding an apostrophe and an s. Ever read a book or speech written, say, in 1910 or before? Generally, the vocabulary and style of prose is impressive, to say the least. It's unbelievable people were expected, let alone able, to comprehend that back then, and it shows up how our common mastery of the language has eroded over such a short time. But then, they probably would've named the mouse, "A Contraption for Implementation of Computer Commands".
100 years ago you only had to learn the 3 R's (apostrophe needed here) so they learned them well. There was no calculus, biology, business, etc., etc. taught to the common man.
People are idiots. This is one of the things you must always remember if you wish to succeed in life. Disclaimer: I can get away with saying that, because I'm a people too.
That's interesting as well. There was always something "weird" about calling that thing a podium that I could never quite put my finger on, until you explained this. Thanks. Our English Language has achieved an astonishing ability for expression by virtue of being extremely malleable. That of course will have downsides to go with the upsides. One hopes that we can make the most of the upside while minimizing the impact of the down. T