*attorneys general

(it's one of the more fun plurals out there)

It’s because it’s from the French (if you say the plural with a French accent, it all makes sense). There are a handful of other cases in English, though none spring to mind this morning.

And, in particular, because unlike the English norm, the noun is first and the adjective second.

Courts martial.

Daughters-in-law.

Passers-by.

Professors Emeriti.

Secretaries general.

Agents provocateurs.

I feel like you’re half right? Daughters in law and passers by don’t feel Norman French. Daughter is definitely from middle German, yeah? And I am wondering about the professors example because the whole point is the plural only happens on the first word.

That said, I so want to be a part of the last group.