Register - Log In


FunTrivia Homepage


  • New Questions

  • Unanswered


  • Post a Question

    • Goto Qn #




    Archives

    It is a linguistic phenomenon that has been responsible for a number of spelling changes in English words over the centuries, though it does occur in other languages. Since the 1950's, it has occasioned much ridicule and comment in reference to one word, which is now frequently used by English-speaking world leaders. What is it, and what is the word in question?

    Question #71390. Asked by lanfranco. (Oct 11 06 4:57 PM)


    peasypod

    		Just a stab in the dark, but, the current trend for world leaders (yes George, we mean you) to pronounce "nuclear" ('nookular') probably doesn't produce as much ridicule as it should.


    The formation of the word is fairly unusual in English, which might suggest that similar sounding terms have been corrupted over time.

    http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nuclear




    Oct 11 06, 5:39 PM
    lanfranco

    		"Nuclear/Nookular" is the word, but I still want the name of the linguistic phenomenon -- before I hand out the silver mace.

    I was, of course, inspired to ask this question by Dubya's press conference today in which he made reference to the North Korean test. I swear he says "Nookular" deliberately. That Andover/Yale boy just can't quite carry it off naturally.

    Oct 11 06, 6:49 PM
    robboy

    		Could be what's known as 'folk etymology', then again it might be shibboleth, but I'm thinking it's metathesis.
    http://www.ling.ohio-state.edu/~ehume/metathesis/#what

    Oct 11 06, 8:38 PM
    lanfranco

    		Metathesis is correct, robboy. You and peasy can split the mace.

    And what the two of you choose to do with it is entirely up to you.

    Oct 11 06, 8:54 PM
    peasypod

    		Grazie, it'll come in handy for something, I'm sure.

    Oct 11 06, 10:36 PM

    Find something useful here? Please help us spread the word about FunTrivia. Recommend this page below!


    Sign up to see all responses!

    Create a Free ID instantly to see all recent responses, post your own follow-ups or questions, and access over 1,000,000 trivia questions!

    Choose a User Name:
    Your Email Address:
    Choose a Password:

    I agree by the terms outlined in FunTrivia's Conditions of Use




    Other Similar Questions & Answers


    'swear words' as they are known are translated into various languages as seen in subtitles of movies. Which languages originated such words like the F word and S word and C word etc etc and how did they end up translated into other languages?

    While "the" is the most commonly-used word overall, a respected authority on the English language has just announced that another word is the most frequently-used example of its part of speech. What is the authority, what is the word, and can you find a list of the top 25 examples?

    There is a seven letter word in the English language that contains ten words without rearranging any of its letters. Does anyone know the word?

    Suggested Related FunTrivia Quizzes - 90,000 currently online

    1 'Phenomenon'
    One of my favorite all-time movies. John Travolta shines in his role!
    		Phenomenon Tough
    20 Q
    Gamemaster1967
    Dec 21 01
    1164 plays
    2 The Used
    A basic quiz about the brilliant rock band, The Used!
    		Used, The Average
    10 Q
    the_nu_born
    Mar 06 06
    1233 plays
    3 The Used!
    This is my first quiz on the amazing rock band The Used! Hope you like it! Here goes...
    		Used, The Difficult
    10 Q
    runaway_drive
    Aug 10 08
    378 plays




    "Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated response if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.