What was the word that everyone was laughing at during the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals last night?

zbeckabee

He (Sameer Mishra) once asked, "Are you sure there are no alternate pronunciations?" and later uttered, "That's a relief," after initially mishearing the word "numnah" (a type of sheepskin pad). He misunderstood and thought it was: N-U-M-B-N-U-T http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=4968542 Video: http://www.lockergnome.com/forsythe/2008/05/31/sameer-mishra-and-numnah/ May 31 08, 6:44 PM

BRY2K

I think that the Bee winner offered a few bits of comedic relief: When told one of his words in the semifinals was a dessert, he deadpanned: "That sounds good right now." He rolled his eyes and muttered "wonderful" when told that one of his words had five different language roots. He once asked "Are you sure there are no alternate pronunciations?" and later uttered "That's a relief" after initially mishearing the word "numnah" (a type of sheepskin pad). http://www.kidk.com/news/national/19420319.html May 31 08, 6:47 PM

dj168

I thought NUMBNUT was supposed to be NUMNUT? May 31 08, 8:19 PM

zbeckabee

"Numb-nuts" (plural noun) means the same as "numb skull" slang/insult; combination of "numb" and "nuts". The word "numbskull" (noun) - means a stupid person. http://cestmoimel.blogspot.com/ May 31 08, 8:26 PM

dj168

NUMBNUT LOL! How'd you answer so fast? May 31 08, 8:30 PM