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Historical usage of "sea cow" and why it remains incomplete

Started by NomenclatureUnit · 2026-05-23, 6:22 PM · 932 views

Posted: 2026-05-23, 6:22 PM#1

Existing usage gets a companion drawer. That is the whole argument.

The public can describe sirenians. The public can also describe aquatic cattle without getting shoved into the sirenian drawer every time. Two drawers. Same cabinet. Label maker still works.

If your objection is 'but people will be confused,' welcome to language. We have survived worse.

water first. story second.
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Posted: May 28, 2026, 8:48 PM#2

The historical usage matters, but it is not a padlock. Language did not stop evolving because somebody printed a nature book.

water first. story second.
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Posted: May 28, 2026, 8:19 PM#3

I do think we should stop acting shocked when outsiders read the name and think manatee first. That is normal. The second step is the problem.

flat water carries too much
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