Plural of Weirdo: Rules, Examples, and Common Mistakes Explained

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2. INTRODUCTION

Have you ever found yourself wondering about the correct plural form of the word “weirdo”? While it may seem like a simple, quirky word reserved for informal chats or playful teasing, understanding how to pluralize nouns like “weirdo” is an essential skill in mastering English grammar. Whether you’re a student, teacher, non-native speaker, writer, or a linguist, knowing the rules behind pluralization—especially for words that don’t always follow the most obvious patterns—enhances your clarity and confidence in communication.

This article dives deep into the pluralization of “weirdo,” covering its definition, grammatical classification, standard and nonstandard forms, and common pitfalls. You’ll find clear tables, dozens of examples, practice exercises, and advanced discussions to ensure you can use “weirdo” (and similar nouns) with accuracy. Even though “weirdo” is informal, it’s a perfect case study for understanding how English pluralizes nouns ending in -o—sometimes irregularly.

By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll not only know when and how to use “weirdos” but also gain valuable insights into the workings of English pluralization as a whole.

Table of Contents

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1. What Is “Weirdo”?

Definition: Weirdo (noun): a person who is considered strange, odd, or unconventional in behavior or appearance.

Etymology: The word weirdo emerged in American English in the 1950s-60s as a playful or pejorative extension of “weird,” attaching the common noun-forming suffix -o (similar to “wino” or “cheapo”).

Register and Usage: “Weirdo” is an informal or colloquial term, often used humorously or disparagingly, but generally not in formal writing.

3.2. Grammatical Classification

Part of Speech: Noun (specifically, a countable noun).

Countable/Uncountable: “Weirdo” is countable. You can have one weirdo, two weirdos, or many weirdos. This property directly impacts how the word is pluralized.

3.3. Function and Usage Contexts

Typical Usage: “Weirdo” appears most often in social contexts, casual conversations, and informal writing.

  • “He’s such a weirdo.”
  • “The class is full of weirdos.”

The word can refer to anyone displaying unusual or eccentric traits, sometimes affectionately and sometimes as mild insult.

3.4. Pluralization in English

General Rules: In English, most regular nouns form their plural by adding -s or -es to the singular form.

  • If the noun ends in most consonants or vowels: add -s (e.g., cat/cats, book/books).
  • If the noun ends in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, -z: add -es (e.g., box/boxes).
  • Nouns ending in -o can be irregular: some add -s, others -es.

Why Focus on “Weirdo”? The pluralization of “weirdo” is a useful case study because nouns ending in -o can be tricky in English. Some follow the regular rule (add -s), while others are exceptions and take -es. Knowing the correct form (“weirdos”) prevents errors and confusion.

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1. The Standard Pluralization Rule for “Weirdo”

Nouns ending in -o can cause confusion because their plural forms vary. However, the noun “weirdo” follows the regular rule: add -s to form the plural: “weirdos”.

Table 1: Pluralization of Nouns Ending in -o
Singular Plural Pluralization Rule
weirdo weirdos add -s
hero heroes add -es
photo photos add -s
potato potatoes add -es

Rule: Weirdo → weirdos (add -s only).

4.2. Phonological Considerations

Pronunciation: The plural “weirdos” is pronounced /ˈwɪərdoʊz/. The final -s is pronounced as a /z/ sound, not /s/.

  • Singular: “weirdo” /ˈwɪərdoʊ/
  • Plural: “weirdos” /ˈwɪərdoʊz/

The addition of -s does not change where the stress falls in the word; it remains on the first syllable: WEIR-do(s).

4.3. Morphological Patterns

Suffixes and Plurals: The -o at the end of “weirdo” is a common feature in English slang or informal nouns, often denoting a person associated with a certain trait or characteristic.

  • “wino” (someone who drinks wine excessively) → “winos”
  • “cheapo” (a cheap person) → “cheapos”
  • “weirdo” → “weirdos”

Most nouns of this informal type take -s in the plural.

4.4. Comparison to Similar Nouns

Table 2: Comparison with Other -o Nouns
Noun Plural Notes on Rule/Exception
weirdo weirdos Regular (add -s)
tomato tomatoes Irregular (add -es)
radio radios Regular (add -s)
echo echoes Irregular (add -es)

Always check the specific word, as not all -o nouns follow the same rule!

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1. Standard Plural Forms

The only standard, widely accepted plural of “weirdo” is “weirdos”.

5.2. Slang and Colloquial Variants

You may occasionally see playful or creative forms, but these are nonstandard and rarely used in proper writing.

Table 3: Colloquial and Regional Variants
Variant Acceptability Usage Context
weirdos Standard All informal speech
weirdoes Rare/Nonstandard Playful/creative
weirdies Slang/Rare Youth slang

5.3. Singular vs. Plural in Context

Singular: Refers to one individual.

  • “You’re a weirdo.”

Plural: Refers to two or more.

  • “You’re all weirdos.”

Always choose the correct form based on how many people or things you mean.

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1. Basic Examples

  • The weirdo sat alone. / The weirdos sat together.
  • She’s a weirdo. / They’re weirdos.
  • I met a weirdo at the party. / I met several weirdos at the party.
  • Is he a weirdo? / Are they weirdos?
  • That weirdo is staring at me. / Those weirdos are staring at me.
  • My brother is a weirdo. / My brothers are weirdos.
  • Who’s the weirdo in the corner? / Who are the weirdos in the corner?
  • This weirdo keeps calling. / These weirdos keep calling.
  • Don’t be a weirdo. / Don’t act like weirdos.
  • I think he’s a weirdo. / I think they’re weirdos.

6.2. Intermediate Examples in Sentences

  • The weirdos at the concert danced all night.
  • She called her friends weirdos, but meant it lovingly.
  • Our neighbors are such weirdos; they have a pet pig.
  • Being a weirdo is sometimes a compliment.
  • Those weirdos’ costumes were the best at the party.
  • The teacher was surprised by the weirdos’ creative answers.
  • I don’t mind being called a weirdo.
  • The kids were acting like total weirdos during lunch.
  • He thinks everyone at the club are weirdos except himself.
  • The group of weirdos cheered loudly when their song played.

6.3. Complex and Contextual Examples

  • “Look at those weirdos over there,” whispered Sam, trying not to laugh.
  • In the story, the protagonist embraces her inner weirdo to find happiness.
  • The internet has given weirdos a place to connect and share ideas.
  • Despite being labeled a weirdo in school, he became a successful artist.
  • “Weirdos unite!” shouted the leader, raising a flag decorated with polka dots.
  • Some people fear weirdos, but others believe they make life interesting.
  • At Halloween, everyone becomes a weirdo in the best possible way.
  • Instead of avoiding the weirdos, she joined them and found her tribe.
  • Many weirdos were at the comic convention, dressed as their favorite characters.
  • Calling someone a weirdo can be mean, but sometimes it’s an inside joke among friends.

6.4. Tabulated Example Sets

Table 4: Singular vs. Plural Usage Across Tenses
Tense Singular Example Plural Example
Present Simple He is a weirdo. They are weirdos.
Past Simple She was a weirdo. They were weirdos.
Future Simple He will be a weirdo. They will be weirdos.
Table 5: Contextual Usage in Different Registers
Register Example (Singular) Example (Plural)
Informal Speech “You’re such a weirdo.” “You guys are weirdos.”
Written Dialogue “That weirdo again?” “Those weirdos again?”

6.5. Error Spotting Examples

  • Those weirdoes are making a lot of noise.
  • My friends is weirdos.
  • I’ve seen three weirdo’s at the park.
  • The weirdos’s jokes were funny.
  • He acts like a weirdos sometimes.

6.6. Extended Example List

  • Only a weirdo would wear pajamas to school.
  • The weirdos painted their faces blue for the parade.
  • She didn’t mind being called a weirdo by her siblings.
  • Those weirdos are always inventing new dances.
  • One weirdo brought a pineapple to the meeting.
  • The club is a haven for weirdos and misfits.
  • Every family has at least one weirdo.
  • There were several weirdos at the open mic night.
  • He likes to hang out with other weirdos online.
  • The group of weirdos started a podcast together.
  • Everyone else left, but the weirdos stayed to clean up.
  • The new kid was labeled a weirdo on his first day.
  • They called themselves “the weirdos” as a badge of honor.
  • Is it weird to want to join the weirdos?
  • The weirdos’ laughter echoed down the hallway.
  • Her notebook is full of drawings of weirdos.
  • He’s not a weirdo, he’s just creative.
  • Why do weirdos always sit in the back?
  • The weirdos’ club meets every Friday.
  • She found comfort among the weirdos.
  • Calling someone a weirdo can be hurtful.
  • The teacher encouraged the weirdos to express themselves.
  • Everyone in the group is a little bit of a weirdo.
  • The weirdos invented their own language.
  • It takes a weirdo to understand another weirdo.
  • Some weirdos make the best friends.
  • He’s the class weirdo, but everyone likes him.
  • The weirdos’ project won first place.
  • Many weirdos attended the midnight movie.
  • Don’t call your brother a weirdo!
  • Weirdos often see the world differently.
  • Each weirdo brought something unique to the table.
  • The weirdos’ ideas were surprisingly good.
  • They all acted like weirdos at the festival.
  • Sometimes, being a weirdo is a superpower.
  • The science club is full of weirdos.
  • It’s fun to be around weirdos with wild imaginations.
  • He’s proud to be called a weirdo.
  • Some people are born weirdos, others become weirdos.
  • The weirdos’ artwork was displayed in the gallery.
  • That weirdo never follows the rules.
  • She secretly admired the weirdos’ confidence.
  • They didn’t care if people thought they were weirdos.
  • The weirdos’ performance got a standing ovation.
  • Did the weirdos leave already?
  • The weirdos’ jokes made everyone laugh.
  • He never fit in until he met the weirdos.

7. USAGE RULES

7.1. Regular Pluralization Rule for “Weirdo”

Rule: To form the plural of “weirdo,” simply add -s:

  • weirdo → weirdos

Note: Do not add “-es.”

7.2. Exceptions and Special Cases

Some -o ending nouns take -es instead of -s. For instance:

  • hero → heroes
  • potato → potatoes
  • echo → echoes

However, “weirdo” always takes -s. See Tables 1 and 2 for more comparisons.

7.3. Nonstandard Forms and Errors

While you might see “weirdoes” in creative or playful contexts, it is not standard and should be avoided in correct writing or speech.

7.4. Agreement with Verbs and Pronouns

Singular: “The weirdo is here.”
Plural: “The weirdos are here.”

Match the verb and pronoun to the noun’s number.

7.5. Plural Possessive Forms

To show possession:

  • Singular possessive: the weirdo’s hat (one weirdo)
  • Plural possessive: the weirdos’ hats (more than one weirdo)
Table 6: Possessive Forms
Form Example Phrase
Singular Poss. the weirdo’s hat
Plural Poss. the weirdos’ hats

7.6. Usage in Questions and Negations

  • Question: “Are they weirdos?”
  • Negation: “They aren’t weirdos.”

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1. Incorrect Pluralization

  • Using “weirdoes” (wrong spelling for plural)
  • Using “weirdoies” (makes no sense)

8.2. Apostrophe Errors

  • Confusing the plural “weirdos” with the possessive “weirdo’s”
  • Using “weirdo’s” to mean more than one

8.3. Spelling Mistakes

  • Misspelling as “wierdos” (the correct spelling is “weirdos”)

8.4. Overgeneralization from Other -o Nouns

  • Applying the -es rule from “tomatoes” or “heroes” to “weirdo”

8.5. Confusion with Similar Words

  • Mixing up “weirdos” with rare slang like “weirdies” (not standard)

8.6. Table 7: Correct vs. Incorrect Pluralization Examples

Table 7: Correct vs. Incorrect Pluralization Examples
Incorrect Correct Explanation
weirdoes weirdos Only -s is correct.
weirdo’s (pl.) weirdos Apostrophe not needed for plural.
weirdos’s weirdos’ Proper plural possessive form.

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank

  1. The _______ are sitting in the back row.
  2. He’s such a _______.
  3. My friends are all _______.
  4. Only a _______ would say that.
  5. Are those people _______?
  6. The _______’ jokes made everyone laugh.
  7. She thinks her classmates are _______.
  8. Is your brother a _______?
  9. Those _______’ costumes are amazing.
  10. Being a _______ is sometimes fun.

9.2. Error Correction

  1. I saw two weirdoes at the mall.
  2. All my friend’s are weirdos.
  3. He acts like a weirdos sometimes.
  4. The weirdo’s are playing outside.
  5. Those wierdos have strange hats.
  6. The weirdos’s party was wild.
  7. My teacher called us weirdoes.
  8. Is they a weirdo?
  9. The weirdoies are singing.
  10. Each wierdo’s laugh was unique.

9.3. Multiple Choice

  1. What is the correct plural of “weirdo”?
    a) weirdoes
    b) weirdoes
    c) weirdos
    d) weirdoies
  2. Which is correct?
    a) The weirdo’s are funny.
    b) The weirdos are funny.
    c) The weirdoes are funny.
    d) The weirdoies are funny.
  3. Choose the correct sentence.
    a) My friends are weirdo.
    b) My friend is weirdos.
    c) My friends are weirdos.
    d) My friends is weirdos.
  4. Which is the correct possessive plural?
    a) the weirdos’ hats
    b) the weirdos’s hats
    c) the weirdoes’ hats
    d) the weirdo’s hats
  5. Fill in the blank: There are three _______ in the room.
    a) weirdo
    b) weirdos
    c) weirdoes
    d) weirdoes
  6. Which spelling is correct?
    a) wierdos
    b) weirdos
    c) weirdoes
    d) weirdoies
  7. Which is correct?
    a) The weirdo are here.
    b) The weirdos is here.
    c) The weirdos are here.
    d) The weirdo’s are here.
  8. Choose the correct form.
    a) She’s a weirdo.
    b) She’s a weirdos.
    c) She’s a weirdoes.
    d) She’s a weirdoes.
  9. How do you show plural possession?
    a) weirdos’
    b) weirdos’s
    c) weirdo’s
    d) weirdoes’
  10. Which is NOT a correct plural form?
    a) weirdos
    b) weirdoes
    c) weirdies
    d) all of the above

9.4. Identification

  1. The weirdos are outside. (Correct/Incorrect)
  2. Those weirdoes are funny. (Correct/Incorrect)
  3. He is a weirdo. (Correct/Incorrect)
  4. My friends is weirdos. (Correct/Incorrect)
  5. These weirdos’ jokes are the best. (Correct/Incorrect)
  6. She acts like a weirdo. (Correct/Incorrect)
  7. The weirdoies are dancing. (Correct/Incorrect)
  8. Have you met the weirdos? (Correct/Incorrect)
  9. That weirdo’s hat is green. (Correct/Incorrect)
  10. The weirdos are coming. (Correct/Incorrect)

9.5. Sentence Construction

  1. Write a sentence using “weirdo” (singular) as the subject.
  2. Write a sentence using “weirdos” (plural) as the object.
  3. Write a sentence showing possessive plural (“weirdos’”).
  4. Write a question using “weirdos.”
  5. Write a negative sentence with “weirdo.”

9.6. Table 8: Exercise Answer Key

Table 8: Exercise Answer Key
Exercise # Correct Answer
1 (Fill-in) weirdos
2 weirdo
3 weirdos
4 weirdo
5 weirdos
6 weirdos’
7 weirdos
8 weirdo
9 weirdos’
10 weirdo
1 (Error) weirdos
2 friends are weirdos
3 He acts like a weirdo sometimes.
4 The weirdos are playing outside.
5 weirdos
6 weirdos’
7 weirdos
8 Is he a weirdo?
9 weirdos
10 weirdo’s
1 (MC) c) weirdos
2 b) The weirdos are funny.
3 c) My friends are weirdos.
4 a) the weirdos’ hats
5 b) weirdos
6 b) weirdos
7 c) The weirdos are here.
8 a) She’s a weirdo.
9 a) weirdos’
10 b) weirdoes

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1. Pluralization in Creative Writing and Humor

Writers and comedians sometimes play with the plural for comic effect, e.g., “weirdos” as a team name or “weirdoes” in a parody. Such creative uses are intentional deviations, not standard grammar.

10.2. Corpus Linguistics: Frequency and Patterns

In major English corpora (COCA, BNC), “weirdos” appears far more frequently than “weirdoes.” The standard spelling is overwhelmingly preferred in both spoken and written English.

10.3. Regional and Dialectal Preferences

There is no significant regional variation in the plural of “weirdo”; “weirdos” is used in both American and British English.

10.4. Pluralization of Compound Nouns with “Weirdo”

For compounds, pluralize the main noun:

  • weirdo-fan → weirdo-fans
  • weirdo-hunter → weirdo-hunters

10.5. Historical Evolution and Attitudinal Shifts

“Weirdo” began as a playful insult but has been reclaimed in some circles as a term of endearment or pride. Its pluralization has always followed the regular pattern.

11. FAQ SECTION

  1. What is the plural of “weirdo”?
    The plural is weirdos.
  2. Why isn’t the plural “weirdoes”?
    Because “weirdo” forms its plural regularly, with just -s. “Weirdoes” is nonstandard.
  3. Are there any exceptions to the rule for “weirdo”?
    No. “Weirdo” always pluralizes as “weirdos.”
  4. How do I use “weirdos” in a sentence?
    “The weirdos sat at their own table.”
  5. Is “weirdo’s” ever correct?
    Only as a singular possessive (“the weirdo’s hat”). Never as a plural.
  6. How do I make “weirdos” possessive?
    Add an apostrophe after the s: “the weirdos’ party.”
  7. Can “weirdo” be pluralized differently in British English?
    No, both American and British English use “weirdos.”
  8. Are there other words like “weirdo” that form their plural with “-s”?
    Yes. Examples: “piano/pianos,” “photo/photos,” “cheapo/cheapos.”
  9. What are some common mistakes with “weirdo” plurals?
    Using “weirdoes,” “weirdo’s” (for plural), or “wierdos” (misspelling).
  10. Is “weirdos” considered offensive or slang?
    “Weirdo” and “weirdos” are informal and can be offensive depending on context, but are often used playfully.
  11. How do I pronounce “weirdos”?
    /ˈwɪərdoʊz/ (“WEIR-doze”)
  12. Can “weirdo” be used as an adjective?
    Not standardly. Use “weird” as the adjective.
  13. What about plural forms in creative writing or pop culture?
    Authors may invent forms for effect, but “weirdos” is the standard plural.

12. CONCLUSION

To summarize, the plural of “weirdo” is “weirdos”. This follows the regular English pattern for nouns ending in -o that are of recent or informal origin. Understanding the distinction between regular and irregular pluralization (especially for -o ending nouns) helps prevent common errors and builds confidence in both writing and speaking.

Key Takeaways: Always use “weirdos” for the plural, avoid “weirdoes,” and be careful with apostrophes for possession. Review the examples and practice exercises above for mastery.

Next Steps: Test yourself with the exercises provided, and explore the plural forms of other -o nouns to deepen your understanding. This knowledge is valuable for academic, conversational, and creative uses of English.

Applicability: Whether you’re teaching, learning, or analyzing English, knowing how to correctly pluralize “weirdo” (and similar nouns) enhances your precision and style.

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