People may be saying “maths” instead of “math” for a number of reasons. One possible explanation is that “maths” is the more common term in British English, while “math” is more commonly used in American English. In British English, words ending in “-ics” tend to be plural count nouns, so “mathematics” becomes “maths” as a shortened form. On the other hand, in American English, “mathematics” is often treated as a mass noun, similar to subjects like “gymnastics,” and therefore remains singular as “math.”
This difference in usage can be attributed to the historical development of the English language in each region. British English has retained more of the grammatical distinctions found in older forms of the language, while American English has undergone simplification and regularization over time.
It’s worth noting that some people may use “math” even in British English due to the influence of American media and cultural exports. The widespread use of American English in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media has led to the adoption of certain American terms and spellings in various parts of the world.
Ultimately, whether someone says “maths” or “math” is largely a matter of regional variation and personal preference. There is no inherent superiority or correctness associated with one form over the other. It’s simply a linguistic difference that reflects the diverse ways in which English is spoken around the world.
As for my personal experience, I grew up in the United States where “math” is the more commonly used term. However, I have also had the opportunity to interact with individuals from the UK and other English-speaking countries, which has exposed me to the variant usage of “maths.” It’s fascinating to see how language can vary and evolve across different regions and cultures.