Extra Credit: A Gaggle of Plurals
When I was 13 I knew about schools of fish and gaggles of geese. Then I read a little book of my mom’s called An Exultation of Larks. Ever since I’ve loved obscure collective nouns for creatures, all these actual words that seem like fictional artifacts: a parliament of owls, an ostentation of peacocks, a smack of jellyfish, a murder of crows, and so many more.
Let’s create some more — for human types.
Example: if Terry Gross and Ira Glass and Robert Siegel and I got together, would we be a pomposity of hosts?
Your challenge: come up with collective nouns for any of the following:
- Conceptual artists
- Critics
- DJs
- Hipsters
- Indie filmmakers
- IT guys
- Operagoers
- Trekkies
- Venture capitalists
- Yoga Instructors
Post your collective noun in a Comment below, or via Twitter:
We’ll reveal our favorites on the show.
UPDATE 5/2: James Lipton has chosen his winners. Thanks to all who participated!
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.