octopussy

English

Etymology

Diminutive of octopus, either from octopus +‎ -y or by analogy with pussy.

Pronunciation

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Noun

octopussy (plural octopussies)

1. (childish or endearing) An octopus.
   • 1978, Ronald Pearsall, Tides of War:

     Lovable old Sam, with as many arms as an octopussy.

   • 1996, Ruth Ryan Langan, Dulcie's Gift:

     "Big fish like sharks and whales and—" she struggled with the word "— octopussies."

   • 2004, Buck Tilton, Sex in the Outdoors:

     The bloody sea is filled with giant, man-eating sharks, and poisonous jellyfish, and bloody poisonous octopussies.