I've always pronounced the word "Southern" to rhyme with howthurn. I know most people say it like "suthurn" instead. I didn't realize that the way I pronounce it is considered weird until recently!

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 12 points 2 years ago (1 child)

US American. I've lived overseas a long time and pronounce the 'h' in 'herbs' because, as Eddie Izzard once said, "it's got a fucking 'h' in it". I don't know when I switched but my mom laughed at me when we had a call recently.

One I only noticed a couple years ago: turmeric (was saying, and still frequently hear) 'toomeric'.

  • source
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 2 points 2 years ago* (2 children)

    Do you also pronounce the 'h' in hour and honor?

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments
  • [–] 5 points 2 years ago* (2 children)

    Those two examples have an “o” after the “h”. Are there any other words starting “he” that Americans treat the “h” as silent?

    I lived in Philly for years and never noticed the way people say “erbs” but since returning to Australia I hear it constantly.

    Edit: I hear Americans say it constantly. No one in Australia says “erb”.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments