Coming in second place can be hard, but it can be even harder if you don’t know how to use the words that might describe you. What is the plural of “runner-up”? “Runner-Ups”? “Runners-Up”? Do you know? Are you sure?
Sure, we’ve tackled the proper abbreviation for “versus,” but let’s keep this competitive conversation going. We’ve got to be on our game, right? (And you know I have an extra resource for you if you’re looking for one.)
Well, we know a “runner-up” is the competitor that doesn’t win first place. Usually, it refers specifically to the second place contender.
“Runner-up” has been in use since at least 1859, though some sources point to as early as 1835, and it didn’t originally come from competitive races between human runners. This one’s for the dogs.
Why? Because a “runner-up” originally came from dog racing, specifically referring to a dog who ran multiple races without being defeated, only to come in second place in the final race. He ran hard. He impressed the crowds. Fans cheered him on. Yet he was the the one running up behind the event’s eventual winner. So close, yet so far away. Poor pupper. (And I’m suddenly reminded of earlier conversations about “snoots” vs. “snouts” and the “dog days of summer.”)
Returning to our earlier question…
How do you pluralize “runner-up?”
The answer is:
“Runners-up”
Yes, just like “attorneys-general” and “sisters-in-law,” some plural forms can keep you on your toes. Whether you’re running or not.
Did you have it right? Well look at you being a winner. Or if you didn’t, that’s okay. Even in conversations about the English language, second place guesses can be a part of the discussion.
Happy writing, folks!
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