Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
It used to be when I heard people pronounce nuclear "nucular", I'd cringe. For some reason, even though I've been with my husband since the start of his career in the nuclear industry, I never noticed the way he pronounced it until recently. Then I noticed the way a lot of his coworkers pronounced the word, too. I figured, how can these men in the industry be so wrong?
So I decided to look it up. You can actually pronounce it both ways.
If you are going to insult my husband or any of his coworkers I'd appreciate it if you don't. I'm just trying to shed light on the pronounciation of the word. "Nucular" may not be the mainstream way of saying it but hey, it's still done.
I've included a couple of links. The last one from Wikipedia actually refutes what I say so I don't need a million people telling me how wrong I am. Take this for what it's worth to you.
Now, do you think it was one of those words added because so many people started saying it wrong? Example, the word ain't is in the dictionary and I have to say that I was brought up knowing that ain't is not a word! So do you think it has been added recently?
Now, do you think it was one of those words added because so many people started saying it wrong? Example, the word ain't is in the dictionary and I have to say that I was brought up knowing that ain't is not a word! So do you think it has been added recently?
Yes, that could very well be possible but there were other explanations as well if you read the links.
I don't use Wikipedia as a source, but I did read the other two and it stated in recent years that this pronunciation has become more widely used. That is why I was asking if you thought it was conforming to society's pronunciation of the word. I still think the word is funny when said nucular but I'm sure that will pass as more and more people use that pronunciation. Interesting.
Yup, you are right. I can't get used to it either but I'm usually the one outnumbered when I say nuclear "nuclear" instead of "nucular". I think it really is just a pronounciation thing. Hubby uses science-type words like "molecular" a lot so I think using that type of vernacular 12 hours a day, it just all molds together. <shrug> I just don't think it's very fair to dismiss someone as an idiot because they say "nucular".
Oh, no, I wouldn't say that you should dismiss anyone for saying nucular or think that person is an idiot for using it that way. I try not to judge people too much and that would not meet my criteria for a judgement call! Agree with you here!
Oh sorry, I totally wasn't referring to you but rather the mass in general. There's been a bunch of posts about Palin's pronouncication and of course we all know Bush. Plus, I see it on the Internet all the time. It's just stupid to equate pronouncing nucular as ignorant.
The pronunciation of a word, or words, is generally of no consequence to me. Regional variations, nation of origin etc more often than not make the differences.
Frankly, and IMO, those that try to make a "big deal" out of pronunciations have not much else to complain about IMHO
It does drive me crazy. It just sounds so ignorant. Nothing can be done about it though- people are just going to say it that way. I do cringe every time I hear it.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
