Point of English: Is it the "Seven Dwarfs" or the "Seven Dwarves?"

[Keith Bee]

The latter seems to me correct. Either way, I'm glad to see some media outlets (even Politico!!!) comparing the current Republican field to what we had to deal with in 1988. (Be honest: It wasn't our most impressive collection.)

But I ask you this: Who are the seven? Pawlenty of Boredom, yes. Switching Mitts, right. Who else? The Barbour of Yazoo? Half-Gov Youbetcha? Eye of Newt? Donnie Dorko? Minnesota Bats? I'm having serious trouble filling out my losercard.

[AtomicKitten]

1. It's dwarfs.

[Keith Bee]

6. I see your point

[RaleighNCDUer]

2. Either is a correct plural for 'dwarf', however 'dwarfs' tends to be

more generally used when referring to real people or animals with dwarfism, while 'dwarves' is the general use in referring to fantasy creatures, a la Tolkien.

Therefore, given this context of Republican contenders, I'd go with 'dwarves'.

[AtomicKitten]

3. In that context, "dwarfs" is widely used.

The Disney movie is entitled "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029583/

In political context: http://www.nysun.com/opinion/hillary-and-the-seven-dwarfs/59097/

[Keith Bee]

7. But you make sense too!

:banghead:

[JaneQPublic]

4. "Seven Little People"

It's correct in terms of both English and human sensitivity.

[JaneQPublic]

9. I prefer "Republican Clown Car."

Not to get all PC, but I have been watching a lot of "Pit Boss" on Animal Planet.

[Ian David]

5. Sure it's not dorfs?

[Keith Bee]

8. Okay, let's move beyond spelling & grammar

Pawlenty, Romney. Who are the other five?

[Recursion]

10. "Dwarves" was a spelling invented by JRR Tolkien

He wanted "Dwerrow" as the plural but eventually got talked into "Dwarves"

[MrSlayer]

11. Dwarves is the plural of Dwarf.

As anyone who plays D&D knows.