If you’ve ever wondered whether to write “possum” or “opossum”, you’re not alone. This common confusion affects writers, students, and even wildlife enthusiasts. Both words refer to the same marsupial, but their spelling, origin, and usage vary depending on region. People often search for this keyword to clarify proper spelling, improve their writing, or understand wildlife references in Australia, the United States, and beyond.
Knowing the difference is important because using the wrong term can make your writing look unprofessional. For example, Americans often use opossum, while Australians prefer possum. Additionally, the words appear in scientific contexts, news articles, emails, and social media. This guide will give you a clear, simple explanation, help you avoid mistakes, and show you which spelling works best depending on your audience.
Possum or Opossum – Quick Answer
Quick Answer:
- Opossum is the correct spelling in American English, referring to the marsupial found in North and South America.
- Possum is used in Australian English for marsupials native to Australia.
Examples:
- “I saw an opossum in my backyard in Florida.”
- “The possum climbed the eucalyptus tree in Sydney.”
The Origin of Possum or Opossum
The word opossum comes from the Algonquian language spoken by Native Americans. Early European settlers adopted the term to describe the North American marsupial. Over time, Australians shortened the spelling to possum to refer to their local marsupial species.
The spelling difference exists because:
- Opossum: Original term brought to America.
- Possum: Adapted for Australian species and common usage.
British English vs American English Spelling
While this is mostly an American vs Australian distinction, it’s important for writers targeting British English audiences as well.
| Region | Preferred Spelling | Example Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Opossum | “An opossum ran across the street.” | Standard US English |
| Australia | Possum | “A possum chewed on the garden leaves.” | Refers to Australian marsupials |
| United Kingdom | Opossum/Possum | “Opossum sightings are rare in the UK.” | Depends on context; US influence |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- Use “opossum” if your audience is American, North/South American, or global readers familiar with US English.
- Use “possum” if your audience is Australian, New Zealander, or Commonwealth countries where the local marsupial is referred to this way.
Pro tip: For global writing, consider explaining once which species you mean:
- “The opossum (often called a possum in Australia) is a nocturnal marsupial.”
Common Mistakes with Possum or Opossum
- Using “possum” in US writing: Incorrect for American marsupials.
- ❌ “I saw a possum in New York.”
- ✅ “I saw an opossum in New York.”
- Mixing both terms in one article: Confuses readers.
- Assuming spelling changes the animal: Both refer to marsupials, just different species.
Possum or Opossum in Everyday Examples
- Emails: “We spotted an opossum near the office last night.”
- News articles: “Local opossum population rising in suburban areas.”
- Social media: “Look at this cute possum I found in my backyard!”
- Formal writing: “The opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is native to North America.”
Possum or Opossum – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google Trends shows:
- “Opossum” is most searched in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- “Possum” is most searched in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK (for wildlife references).
This reflects regional differences and confirms which term works best for your target audience.
Comparison Table – Possum vs Opossum
| Feature | Possum | Opossum |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Australia, NZ | US, Canada |
| Species | Phalangeridae (Australian) | Didelphimorphia (American) |
| Common Usage | Informal, media | Formal, scientific |
| Example Sentence | “The possum climbed the tree.” | “The opossum is nocturnal.” |
FAQs
1. Are possums and opossums the same animal?
No. “Opossum” refers to American species, while “possum” refers to Australian species.
2. Why do Americans say opossum and Australians say possum?
It’s due to regional language evolution. Americans retained the original Native American term, Australians shortened it.
3. Can I use possum in US English writing?
It’s not standard. Use “opossum” for American contexts.
4. Is opossum the scientific term?
Yes, especially for Didelphimorphia in North America.
5. How do I pronounce opossum vs possum?
- Opossum: /əˈpɑːsəm/
- Possum: /ˈpɑːsəm/
6. Which is more common globally?
“Opossum” appears more in scientific writing, while “possum” is common in Australian media.
7. Can I mix the terms in one article?
It’s best to stick to one term per region to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
Choosing between possum or opossum depends entirely on your audience and location. Americans, Canadians, and Latin Americans should stick with opossum, while Australians and Commonwealth readers prefer possum.
Both words share the same root but evolved differently, reflecting local wildlife and language trends. When writing for global readers, clarify once which animal you mean, and then maintain consistent spelling throughout.
Avoid mixing terms in one article to keep your writing professional and clear. Understanding this distinction not only improves your writing but also shows attention to detail, especially in educational, media, and wildlife contexts.
