opossum
C1neutral
Definition
Meaning
a small to medium-sized marsupial mammal with a pointed snout and prehensile tail, native to the Americas, known for its habit of feigning death when threatened.
Any of various nocturnal, omnivorous marsupials of the family Didelphidae; also used metaphorically for someone who plays dead or pretends to be unaware to avoid a situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily zoological but has developed a metaphorical use in colloquial English ('playing possum').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'possum' (without the initial 'o-') is a common informal variant, often used interchangeably with 'opossum'. In British English, the full form 'opossum' is more standard, as the animal is not native and is less frequently discussed.
Connotations
In US English, 'possum' has rural, Southern, or folksy connotations. In both varieties, it can connote scavenging, trickery, or survival instinct.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the animal's native range. In British English, it appears mainly in zoological or comparative contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] plays possuman opossum [verb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play possum (pretend to be dead or asleep)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Possibly metaphorical: 'The negotiator played possum to gauge their offer.'
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, and ecology papers discussing marsupials, adaptation, or New World fauna.
Everyday
Used when discussing wildlife, roadkill, or describing someone feigning ignorance/unconsciousness.
Technical
Used in taxonomic classification (Order Didelphimorphia) and wildlife management contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- 'Don't opossum me!' he cried, accusing his friend of feigning injury. (Rare, non-standard)
adjective
American English
- The road had a distinct opossum stench. (Colloquial)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw an opossum in the garden.
- The opossum often 'plays dead' when it is scared.
- Several opossum species are found throughout Central and South America.
- The Virginia opossum's remarkable adaptability has allowed it to thrive in suburban environments across North America.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'O, possum on the road!' The 'O' reminds you it's the full, formal name.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRETENDING IS PLAYING POSSUM (e.g., 'He's just playing possum to avoid the question.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'по́ссум' (a possum, which typically refers to Australasian possums of the suborder Phalangeriformes). 'Opossum' is specifically an American marsupial. The Russian word 'опоссум' exists but is less common.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'opposum' or 'opossom'. Using 'possum' in formal British writing. Confusing it with the Australasian possum.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary metaphorical meaning of 'play possum'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Opossum' refers to marsupials native to the Americas (family Didelphidae). 'Possum' commonly refers to Australasian marsupials (suborder Phalangeriformes), though in American English 'possum' is an informal term for the opossum.
Yes. It is an involuntary shock response (thanatosis) where the animal becomes rigid, curls its lips, and emits a foul smell, convincingly mimicking death for up to several hours.
They are generally non-aggressive and pose little threat to humans. Their main defence is bluffing or 'playing dead'. They are, however, wild animals and can bite if cornered.
The word originates from the Powhatan (Algonquian) word 'aposoum'. The initial vowel sound was often lost in colloquial American speech, leading to the common informal variant 'possum'.