Every child makes some mistakes with his/her pronunciation here and there. It’s all a part of learning our native language’s phonemes and how different letters combine to form specific sounds in combination with each other. There comes the point where it seems we begin to perfect our pronunciation of a wide range of words, at least those that are within our diction.
But sometimes, even as we get older, we’re surprised to find that we’re still mispronouncing so many common words; maybe we mispronounced a word since childhood, and it just stuck because no one bothered to correct us. Other times, though, we purposely change the pronunciation of a word to make it easier on the tongue. Whatever the case may be, I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all mispronounced certain words, and still do, even if it’s not something we’re proud to admit.
The fact that we’re going mispronouncing common words is inevitable, so why not turn it into something relatable. How? Below we share a list of the most commonly mispronounced words on the planet—don’t worry almost EVERYONE has made these mistakes at least once a day, so you won’t ever be judged!
1. Espresso
Pronounced exactly as it looks with an ‘S’ phoneme, this word is commonly mispronounced as “expresso.” Perhaps the word “express” got us in the habit of this mispronunciation.
Image source: Quick Meme
2. Cache
“Cache” is simply pronounced like “cash,” but some pronounce this word like “cash-ay.” Others pronounce this word as “catch.”
Image source: Meme Captain
3. Supposedly
“Supposedly” is pronounced as it looks. Simple. Still, we often pronounce it as “supposably.” (Join the club if you use the latter!)
Image source: GIPHY
4. Yolk
Some letters in the English language are silent while others that we’d think would be are not. The latter is the case for “yolk;” the ‘L’ is meant to be pronounced. Most pronounce this word as “yoke,” silencing the ‘L’ completely. On the contrary, some dialects suggest leaving out the ‘L’ phoneme is acceptable. It sure can get complicated, right? All of a sudden, I don’t know how to pronounce “yolk” anymore.
Image source: Meme Gen
5. Figure
“Figure” is at times pronounced “fig-er” rather than its correct pronunciation, “fig-yer.” Still, it’s usually one of those terms you can slide by with mispronouncing.
Image source: Memes
6. Et cetera
Probably a good chunk of us change the ‘T’ phoneme to sound like an ‘X’ in “et cetera.” (According to the associated image, it appears that saying “ex cetera” refers to something completely different—just thought it would be good to point out…) Some may even pronounce it as “ek cetera.” Plenty of us even mix up its abbreviation, “ect” instead of the correct “etc.”
Image source: Compare the Coaches
7. Mayonnaise
“Man-ayse” or “may-on-ayse,” which do you say? The true pronunciation is the second, but likely one reason we resort to the first is that it has fewer syllables and is easier to say. But because I’m lazy, and don’t like to be told that I’m wrong, I’ll just stick to “mayo” because I’m sure there’s no way to mispronounce THAT.
Image source: Memes
8. Library
Most of us are well aware that library is pronounced as it appears, but we often leave out the first ‘r’ due to it’s more difficult pronunciation. Anyone wanna hit up the libARY?
Image source: GIPHY
9. Spay
When it comes to the phrase “spay and neuter,” for some reason, some of us (I did this as a kid) call it “spayed and neuter.” Why this happens, I’ll never know.
Image source: GIPHY
10. Comfortable
Pronounced exactly as it is spelled, some of us pronounce this word as “comf-ter-ble,” changing the “or” to “ter” and “t-able” to “ble.”
Image source: Girls Ask Guys
11. Prescription
For some reason, with the prefix “pre-,” we seem to change it to “per-.” We sometimes say “perscription” instead of “prescription.” The same thing happens when the beginning is meant to be pronounced a “per;” we may say “preformance” instead of “performance.”
Image source: GIPHY
12. Silicon
Silicon (-con rhyming with lawn), silicone (-cone rhyming with blown), same thing, right? The pronunciation matters.
Image source: GIPHY
13. February
Again with the ‘r’ scenario. We often leave out an extra ‘r’ if it makes pronunciation too difficult. Many of us say “Febuary.”
Image source: Img Flip
14. Sherbet
“Sherbet” is pronounced “shur-bit.” However, many say “shur-burt,” adding an extra ‘r.’ Some even say “shur-bay” or “shur-bet.” Then, there are some who confuse “sorbet” and “sherbet.” This is just one of those words no one ever gets right.
Image source: Make a Meme
15. Pronunciation
The correct way to say this word is “pro-nun-see-aye-shun,” but we tend to pronounce it as “pro-noun-see-aye-shun,” often spelling it as “pronounciation.” Likely the reason for this mispronunciation is because the verb of “pronunciation” is “pronounce.”
Image source: Memes
Of course, there was a point in time where you incorrectly pronounced at least some of the 15 words above (unless you’re an English-speaking genius!). In my own case, I can confirm I have mispronounced at least 14 of them at some point in my life, particularly during childhood. (Don’t judge.)
You have to admit, though, that seeing a list of some of the most commonly mispronounced English words is relieving. It’s great to know that you’re not the only one.
Like and share this post with friends and family and see if they have/had trouble pronouncing these words as well!
Article source: Wonderish
