Etymology
Entomologists (and Latin devotees, if there are any left) may be expected to observe that pupum is incorrect - at least if the word is intended to refer to a stage in the metamorphosis of an insect (which it is). Okay; I know that. So, why make an intentional mistake?
The answer harbours nuances which, collectively, reveal much about what is materializing before your eyes. It will take some explaining.
Truth be told, the short answer is that the domain name pupa (in all its various iterations) was already taken. This is a growing problem in its own right - especially given the unsavoury practice of scooping promising names simply for the sake of resale. However, that must be left for another time to discuss (or not, as the case may be).
Truth be told again, I had contemplated the term pupum (briefly) with the notion that it might be the singular version of the correct word I was contemplating at the moment ... though a quick check put the boots to that. No, pupa is the singular, pupae the plural - which (as Latin devotees know) means the gender of the word is female. Having determined that the word pupum had not been snatched for use as a domain name (presumably because it isn't a word at all) I found myself sorely tempted to use it on purpose - knowing full well it was in error. When I reflected on the arbitrariness of the gender politics of language, I took the plunge.
So there you have it. I am asserting my prerogative to claim the questionable status of a male iteration of an insect's state of suspended animation ... which those who know me will consider entirely appropriate (in more ways than one).
But that bit of folderol begs the question why I was bandying about the notion in the first place. Ah, indeed ... why? I am not at all certain I can answer that. In its own contorted way that is actually the function of this website.
Let me elaborate that function elsewhere.