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Ask-A-Linguist - Message details
Subject: Word Substitution Based on Sound, not Meaning
Question:
I have just experienced something that colleagues have told me they have also had happen to them:

I was typing an e-mail to a colleague and aimed to write ''How can I make sure I get your signature?'' Instead, I substituted, ''How can I make *your I get your signature?'' Naturally, I didn't notice it, despite having read through the e-mail before sending it. My colleague pointed this out to me and wonders whether it has something to do with the sound of the words. That is, ''your'' and ''sure'' can be pronounced similarly.

Any thoughts?

Reply:
I don't know the science behind typist errors, but it is true that "your" and "sure" are
very similar in pronunciation. In fact, it's interesting that that most puns ONLY work
in terms of pronunciation, not in spelling.

A sentence like
"Do you 'bass' all your movie decisions on the soundtrack?" is likely to induce a
groan (the classic sign of a terrible pun).

But the "Do you 'bass' all your sea food decisions on the musical ambience?" will
likely just get puzzled looks.

On the other hand, there are lots of reasons why typos are sent out, one of which is
that writers are just bad proofers.

Many people tend to remember what they write/say/hear/read conceptually, but not
linguistically (i.e. not the exact phrasing). This is why quotes and information are
constantly distorted with retellings.

Reply From: Elizabeth J Pyatt    click here to access email
Date: Aug-31-2009
Other Replies:
  1. Re: Word Substitution Based on Sound, not Meaning Nancy J. Frishberg    (Sep-09-2009)
  2. Re: Word Substitution Based on Sound, not Meaning James L Fidelholtz    (Aug-31-2009)
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