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Probably considered an off topic question, but I have only heard math referred to as maths with a plural "s" recently. Why is it maths now? What is wrong with math? Is this just a regional pronunciation or does this refer to specific fields of math? I'm not familiar with this terminology. Just curious.

e2theipi2026
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    Because "maths" is short for "mathematics". It's a consideration that the word we're shortening is plural, so the shortening should be plural also. – Decaf-Math May 19 '16 at 00:36
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    Regional. I am American. I say math. People from other English speaking regions are known to say "maths". Remember, either is short for mathematic*s*. – Em. May 19 '16 at 00:37
  • That's what I thought. I felt out of the loop or something. – e2theipi2026 May 19 '16 at 00:38
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    Oddly enough, I say stat or stats depending on the situation. Like, "He studies stats" as opposed to "I am taking that stat class". I wonder if I am the only one. – Em. May 19 '16 at 00:40
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    It's purely regional. Americans say Math and Sports and Brits say Maths and Sport. One is obvious reasonable and correct and the other is obviously irritatingly wrong and bizarre that those other people keep insisting on saying the weird thing. – fleablood May 19 '16 at 01:26
  • The difference between American and English ;o) – Bernard May 19 '16 at 01:27
  • I wish there was a way to register a don't-close vote. The question was closeable until that Answer appeared - the answer needs to be preserved for posterity. – David C. Ullrich May 19 '16 at 01:27

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The answer is clearly the letter s. In truth it is simply a matter of convention that should be asked somewhere like here https://ell.stackexchange.com/ for more details.

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shai horowitz
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