How do you pronounce ‘mischievous'?
IT TURNS OUT that the word mischievous – meaning 'bad behaviour that is annoying but does not cause any serious damage or harm' – is one of the most commonly mispronounced words in English.
While it's meant to be pronounced as mis-chuv-vuhs, a lot of people throw in an extra syllable and out comes mis-chee-vious.
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But this pronunciation is now widely accepted in casual speech,
says lexicographer Susie Dent
, who has appeared in Dictionary Corner on Channel 4′s Countdown since 1992.
Only two words in English end with 'ievous': mischievous, and grievous. So in fairness, it's an easy mix-up.
So, tell us (be honest):
How have you been pronouncing 'mischievous'?
Poll Results:
Mis-chee-vious
(369)
Mis-chuv-vuhs
(299)
I don't know – I'm questioning myself now...
(33)
I say it a different way
(19)
Mis-chuv-vuhs
Mis-chee-vious
I say it a different way
I don't know – I'm questioning myself now...
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