I cannot take it anymore, you need to learn to say it right!

I grew up in a house where certain diction was important.  You said library, not libary.  Certain words had to be pronounced correctly, and in fact, one word in particular.  That word was often.

The dictionary has two pronunciations for the word: ˈȯ-fən, ÷ˈȯf-tən

In simple terms, some people say "off-ten" and some say "off-fen".

I was raised to pronounce it "off-fen".  It was so ingrained in me that it causes me physical pain to hear it pronounced "off-ten".  It is as thought someone is rubbing my teeth on a chalkboard.  It is misery, it is agony, it is how The Wife says it.

I bite my tongue, it is not a relationship breaker kinda thing.  I told her once that it is pronounced "off-fen".  She polity corrected me stating there are two ways to pronounce it.  She was and is right, even though one of the ways is so wrong it is like a kick to the crotch.

Today I have heard it the wrong way so many times my head is on fire.  I am exhausted, thanks to the boy's late night tirade.  I just can't take it anymore, so please please please, just for one day can everyone just say it right???  Please.

-Uncle Walter

Comments

[Laura]

I'm not even sure which way I say it to be honest. But for you UW, today I will be sure to say it YOUR way!

[The Wife]

This coming from the man who says weoponDry and "you did good"? I don't think so. Get it through your head: your mama done taught you wrong, and that's your problem, not mine.

[Gissel E.]

Just to please UW, off-fen off-fen off-fen (I learned it that way, BTW).