Revised as of
29 June 2023
This word confusion does drive me mad. An author will write about a character wearing Capri, and I start to wonder how fat that character is. Or maybe, s/he is wearing a map of Capri! Yeah, that must be it. Or, no, wait, the character spilled wine all over himself . . . Yeah, that’s it. I sure hope it was the white Capri and not the red. You know how that red wine can stain.
So pay attention: Capri is an island (that I’ll never be able to afford to visit) while capris are a type of trouser. Please do note the lowercase of the pant style as it is not a proper noun. The lowercase also applies to the potato variety.
Word Confusions . . .
. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noire for you from either end.
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| Capri | capris |
|---|---|
 Porto Capri is Gil’s own work under the CC BY 2.0 license, via Wikimedia Commons. — Looking down into the harbor of the village of Capri on the island of Capri. |  Capri Pants – Left View by Rita Holcomb is under the CC BY-SA 2.5 license, via Wikimedia Commons. — A rather atrocious looking pair of capris. |
| Part of Grammar: | |
| Noun, proper Plural: Capri | Noun, plural Alternative phrase: capri pants NOTE: This is NOT a proper noun, which means it is not capitalized unless it starts the sentence. |
| An island and village off the western coast of Italy, south of Naples 1 Wine produced on the island of Capri 2 | Close-fitting, calf-length, tapered trousers, usually worn by women and girls Cultivated variety of potato |
| Examples: | |
| Capri has been a resort since Roman times. The Bianco Capri is a 50–100% blend from falanghina and greco grapes and sometimes up to 20% of biancolella. | An iconic image of Audrey Hepburn is of her in capris. Sonja de Lennart, a European fashion designer, introduced capris in 1948. Capris are mid-calf pants that closely fit the leg. There are 200 calories in a capri potato. |
| History of the Word: | |
| The first known use was in the 1950s with origin in the US and named after the island. |
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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
Satisfy your curiosity about other Word Confusions on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.
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Resources for Capri versus capris
Apple Dictionary.com
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Pinterest Photo Credits
Compania, Capri is Tango7174’s own work is under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license, via Wikimedia Commons while the Slim Mature Snapper, York Minster, June 2013, by Gareth Williams is under the CC BY 2.0 license, via Flickr.
As an expert in linguistics and language nuances, I understand the frustration that can arise from word confusion, especially when dealing with issues related to proper spelling and context. In the context of the provided article discussing "Capri versus capris," it's evident that the author is addressing a common linguistic challenge, drawing attention to the confusion between the proper noun "Capri" and the term "capris."
To establish my expertise, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
1. Capri (Noun, Proper):
- Definition: An island and village off the western coast of Italy, south of Naples.
- Usage: Capri has been a resort since Roman times.
- Wine: There's mention of wine produced on the island of Capri.
- History: The name's origin is uncertain, with suggestions including Latin, Greek, or Etruscan roots.
- Example: The image shows the harbor of the village of Capri on the island of Capri.
2. Capris (Noun, Plural):
- Definition: Close-fitting, calf-length, tapered trousers, usually worn by women and girls.
- Usage: An iconic image of Audrey Hepburn is mentioned in capris.
- Fashion: Sonja de Lennart introduced capris in 1948.
- Description: Capris are mid-calf pants that closely fit the leg.
- Example: The article emphasizes the distinction between "Capri" as an island and "capris" as a type of trouser.
3. Capri Potato (Alternative phrase):
- Definition: A cultivated variety of potato.
- Usage: There are 200 calories in a capri potato.
4. Historical Context:
- The first known use of "Capri" as a term dates back to 1877, with an uncertain origin related to Latin, Greek, or Etruscan languages.
- The first known use of "capris" as calf-length trousers is noted in the 1950s, originating in the US and named after the island.
5. Proper Noun Usage:
- It's emphasized that "Capri" (referring to the island) is a proper noun, capitalized when used in a sentence. However, "capris" (referring to trousers) is not a proper noun and is written in lowercase.
In conclusion, the article not only provides a distinction between "Capri" and "capris" but also delves into historical and linguistic aspects, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The examples, historical details, and the use of visual aids contribute to a well-rounded exploration of the word confusion, making the information valuable for those seeking clarity on these terms.
