In a world where words can travel faster than light beams, knowing how to pronounce them correctly can be a daunting task. This year, the list of the most mispronounced words covers everything from pop culture to scientific discoveries.
First up is Irish actor Barry Keoghan, who stole the limelight in 2024 not just for his acting prowess, but for his much-talked-about relationship with US pop star Sabrina Carpenter. Despite his fame, his surname has left many perplexed. It’s pronounced BARR-ee key-OH-gin, with a hard ‘g’, not a silent one common in other Irish surnames.
Sabrina Carpenter herself had fans buzzing with her chart-topping track ‘Espresso’. Released on May 3rd, it quickly climbed the music charts, but not without some pronunciation mishaps. The correct way to say it is es-PRESS-oh, ensuring coffee aficionados can sip their brews in peace.
Meanwhile, as the world gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, the new mascot “Phryge” has sparked conversations. Its name, linked to the symbol of liberty – the Phrygian cap, is pronounced FREE-je, offering a playful twist on a historical icon.
The fast-fashion titan Shein, with its massive online presence, also made it to the list. Often miscalled “Sheen,” it is actually SHE-in. Known for controversies surrounding its supply chain, Shein remains in the spotlight, with a potential debut on the London stock market next year.
With a name almost as intriguing as its discovery, the exoplanet SPECULOOS-3b has captured imaginations worldwide. Located 55 light-years away, it’s named after the technology that found it and is pronounced SPEK-yuh-lohss three bee. This celestial wonder mirrors the discovery of an Earth-sized world orbiting a red dwarf star.
Sports enthusiasts have had their share of tongue-twisters with Croatian footballer Josko Gvardiol’s name. Playing for Manchester City, this 22-year-old defender has a penchant for stunning goals, yet it’s his name, pronounced YOSH-ko GVAR-dee-ol, that challenges fans.
Actor Ncuti Gatwa, beloved for his roles in ‘Sex Education’ and ‘Doctor Who’, added his voice to this year’s list. To his own surprise, it’s n-SHOO-ti GAT-wah, not the “Shootee” often heard.
There’s also crucial health terminology like “Snus” – a type of smokeless tobacco from Sweden, pronounced SNOOZ. Despite its rising popularity, it remains banned under UK regulations.
On the environmental front, the term “Flygskam”, promoted by activist Greta Thunberg, encourages reducing air travel. Pronounced FLEEG-skam, it symbolizes a growing movement for climate-conscious travel.
Finally, the microscopic troublemaker “Cryptosporidium” had UK newsreaders stumbling this year. This waterborne parasite, pronounced krip-toe-spuh-RID-ee-um, caused an outbreak in Brixham, leading to a significant public health alert.
Whether it’s a pop song or a planetary discovery, 2024 has been a year full of complex pronunciations that highlight our linguistic diversity and curiosity. Understanding these words connects us to the stories that shape our world.
Source: News.sky
