The quirks of the English language never cease to entertain. While it’s ever-evolving, having this nifty guide handy might just save you from a few friendly jabs and jests. After all, a word in time saves nine… chuckles!
Irregardless
“Irregardless” seems to roll off the tongue so effortlessly, doesn’t it? While there’s a cohort that champions its usage, many grammar enthusiasts would promptly guide you to “regardless.”
Supposably
Picture this: You’re presenting at a meeting, and out pops “supposably.” Eyebrows raise. Did you mean “supposedly”? It’s easy to confuse the two, but remember, one is the star quarterback of the English team; the other didn’t make the cut.
Expresso
Who doesn’t crave a little “expresso” to jumpstart the morning? But wait! Before you order, a quick memo: it’s “espresso.” Save “express” for those rapid trains or when describing your feelings, not your coffee.
Libary
Childhood memories are sweet, especially when you recall trips to the “libary.” But, as adults, dropping the ‘r’ might fetch you some amused looks. Best to announce you’re headed to the “library,” where all the letters are given their due respect.
Excetera
“Excetera” sounds like the posh cousin of the more mundane “et cetera.” It’s tempting to add the extra flair, but sticking to the original will prevent any mischievous grins from your audience.
Pacifically
If you’re being “pacifically” clear about something, ensure you’re not inadvertently referencing the vast ocean. “Specifically” is your go-to here unless you’re plotting a beach holiday, in which case, carry on!
Exscape
“Exscape” sounds like the title of an action-packed movie where the hero manages a daring flight. In day-to-day dialogue, though, “escape” (sans the ‘x’) keeps things smooth and hiccup-free.
Pronounciation
The irony isn’t lost here. It’s quite a twist that “pronunciation” is often…mispronounced. Think of it as a tongue-in-cheek challenge by the English language.
Heighth
It stands tall, attempting to fit in with its dimensional siblings—width and length. But, alas, “heighth” is a bit of an overreacher. Stick with “height.” No extra embellishments needed.
Febuary
February is the month that feels like the Monday of the year. Perhaps that’s why the first ‘r’ often goes missing, like that sock you can never find. To steer clear of puzzled looks, emphasise the ‘r’.
Nucular
“Nucular” has an explosive ring to it, doesn’t it? A little rearrangement, and “nuclear” emerges, a tad less dramatic but certainly more recognised. Best to stick with the version that doesn’t sound like it’s about to detonate.
Realator
If you’re on the prowl for a new cozy den, you might chat with a “realtor.” Adding an extra ‘a’ makes it sound like they’re somewhat mythical, like a real-estate centaur. A fun image, but perhaps not the most professional.
Probly
A casual slip of the tongue and “probably” becomes “probly.” It’s akin to trimming a majestic beard a bit too much. Sure, it’s still recognisable, but the grandeur is somewhat diminished.
Sherbert
Is it “sherbert” or “sherbet”? Technically, the latter takes the cake—or, in this case, the scoop. However, whether you’re team “sherbert” or team “sherbet,” we can all agree it’s delicious.
Flustrated
It’s the word equivalent of a fusion dish—melding “frustrated” and “flustered.” Both flavours are apparent in “flustrated,” but it might leave linguistic connoisseurs scratching their heads. Sometimes, it’s best to stick to the original recipe.
Chomping at the Bit
Ready to get going? Feeling like you’re “chomping at the bit”? Originally, it’s “champing.” Yet, “chomping” feels so tangible, like you could hear the teeth gnashing. But for the sake of tradition, maybe give “champing” a try.
Unthaw
If you’re aiming to “unthaw” those veggies, you might be in for a frosty surprise. The term implies freezing, not the opposite. Best to simply “thaw” and enjoy dinner without the unexpected ice age.
