sumpsimus

[suhmp-suh-muhs]

noun

plural

sumpsimuses 

1. adherence to or persistence in using a strictly correct term, holding to a precise practice, etc., as a rejection of an erroneous but more common form (mumpsimus ).

2. a person who is obstinate or zealous about such strict correctness (mumpsimus ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of sumpsimus¹

First recorded in 1540–50; mumpsimus

Example Sentences

We are not going to change our old 'mumpsimus' for anybody's new 'sumpsimus.'

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If men prefer their “mumpsimus” to our “sumpsimus,” let them by all means have it: but pray let them keep their rubbish to themselves,—and at least leave our Saviour's words alone.

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On being remonstrated with, he retorted that “He would not leave his old mumpsimus for their new sumpsimus.”

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And now let all defenders of present institutions, however bad they may be—let all violent supporters of their old mumpsimus against any new sumpsimus whatever, listen to a conversation among some undergraduates.

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Such a deliberate preference of “mumpsimus” to “sumpsimus” is by no means calculated to conciliate favour, or even to win respect.

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