Key Takeaways
– English spelling can be challenging due to its complex rules and numerous exceptions.
– There are several words in the English language that are spelled in a way that is unexpected or unusual.
– Spelling these weird words correctly can be a fun and interesting challenge.
Introduction
English spelling has long been a source of frustration for both native speakers and learners of the language. With its complex rules and numerous exceptions, it’s no wonder that many people find spelling to be a difficult task. However, there are some words in the English language that take the challenge of spelling to a whole new level. These words, often referred to as “weird words to spell,” defy the usual patterns and conventions of English spelling. In this article, we will explore 15 such words and delve into the reasons behind their unusual spellings.
The Weird Words to Spell
1. Colonel – Pronounced “kər-nəl,” this word is spelled with an unexpected combination of letters. The reason behind this odd spelling can be traced back to its Latin origin, “columna,” which was later adapted into Italian as “colonello” before making its way into English.
2. Wednesday – Despite being pronounced as “wenz-dei,” this word is spelled with a silent “d.” The spelling of Wednesday can be attributed to its Old English origin, where it was spelled as “Wodnesdæg,” named after the Germanic god Woden.
3. Receipt – This word is often misspelled as “reciept” due to its unusual spelling. The silent “p” in receipt can be traced back to its Latin root, “recipere,” meaning “to receive.”
4. Pharaoh – The spelling of this word, pronounced as “fair-oh,” can be quite perplexing. The “ph” in pharaoh is a remnant of its Greek origin, where it was spelled as “pharaō.”
5. Bologna – Pronounced as “bə-loh-nee,” this word is spelled in a way that is completely different from its pronunciation. The spelling of bologna can be attributed to its Italian origin, where it is spelled as “bolognese.”
6. Pterodactyl – This word, referring to a prehistoric flying reptile, is a challenge to spell due to its silent “p” and “t.” The spelling of pterodactyl can be traced back to its Greek origin, where it was spelled as “ptero-daktulos.”
7. Worcestershire – Pronounced as “wus-ter-sher,” this word is spelled in a way that is completely different from its pronunciation. The spelling of Worcestershire can be attributed to its Old English origin, where it was spelled as “Wigeraceaster.”
8. Yacht – Despite being pronounced as “yot,” this word is spelled with a silent “c.” The spelling of yacht can be traced back to its Dutch origin, where it was spelled as “jacht.”
9. Queue – This word, pronounced as “kyoo,” is spelled with four consecutive vowels. The spelling of queue can be attributed to its French origin, where it was spelled as “cue.”
10. Chameleon – Pronounced as “kuh-mee-lee-uhn,” this word is spelled with a silent “ch.” The spelling of chameleon can be traced back to its Greek origin, where it was spelled as “khamaileōn.”
11. Rhythm – Despite being pronounced as “ri-thuhm,” this word is spelled with a silent “h.” The spelling of rhythm can be attributed to its Greek origin, where it was spelled as “rhythmos.”
12. Nauseous – This word is often misspelled as “nauseaus” due to its unusual spelling. The correct spelling of nauseous can be attributed to its Latin origin, where it was spelled as “nauseōsus.”
13. Supersede – Despite being pronounced as “soo-per-seed,” this word is spelled with a silent “c.” The spelling of supersede can be attributed to its Latin origin, where it was spelled as “supersedere.”
14. Vacuum – Pronounced as “vak-yoom,” this word is spelled with a double “u.” The spelling of vacuum can be traced back to its Latin origin, where it was spelled as “vacuus.”
15. Mnemonic – Despite being pronounced as “nee-mon-ik,” this word is spelled with a silent “m.” The spelling of mnemonic can be attributed to its Greek origin, where it was spelled as “mnēmonikos.”
Conclusion
English spelling can be a challenging task, with its complex rules and numerous exceptions. However, there are some words in the English language that take the challenge of spelling to a whole new level. These weird words to spell defy the usual patterns and conventions of English spelling, often leaving even native speakers scratching their heads. From the silent letters in words like colonel and receipt to the unexpected combinations of letters in words like Worcestershire and pterodactyl, these words present a fun and interesting challenge for those brave enough to tackle them. So, the next time you come across one of these weird words, take a moment to appreciate the intricacies of the English language and the fascinating history behind their unusual spellings.
