What About Whale? The [w] Vs. [hw] Debate

Share

Pronunciation is very important to us here at Catchword.  That’s why we would like to share this with you: the excellent folks at Daily Writing Tips have weighed in on the question that’s on everyone’s mind, Should you pronounce the “h” in “-wh-“ words like whistle, whiz, and overwhelm?

DWT’s balanced response is very much in accord with my linguist colleague Laurel Sutton’s assertion that there is no “should” in the evolution of language.

Even so, those of us who pronounce the “h” may, just occasionally, continue to whine over “whine” over wine.

RELATED INSIGHTS

Who could resist the opportunity to weigh in on a new pasta shape name?
04.08.2021
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery.
12.15.2020
Is Rabobank a naming felony or just fun to say?
10.24.2020