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Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even themost fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" as

a past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even themost fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

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1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. Chicanery

This word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started valid

ating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. Seuss

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Pen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The begi

nning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexa

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nder Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-c

onnery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. Niche

When this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

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"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans love

a long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. Forbade

Pronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Angl

icized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

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"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventur

e.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by th

e rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a tru

e French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/

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If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tense

of "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Eve

r feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

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2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." But

then people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the mos

t fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

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2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. Banal

You'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now lingui

sts say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunc

iations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. Kibosh

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Let's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" as

a past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

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3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

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3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. Affluent

If pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. Seuss

Pen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. Celtic

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An initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. The

stress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. Boatswain

Okay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexa

nder Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerg

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ed as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But st

ressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pr

onounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!

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) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started valid

ating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

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4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/

If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

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4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. Niche

When this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. Comptroller

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This word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. Forbade

Pronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Angl

icized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that sil

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ent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by th

e rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a tru

e French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. Kibosh

Let's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

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5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." But

then people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the mos

t fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. Cache

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Maybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now lingui

sts say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunc

iations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. Celtic

An initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun t

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o mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" as

a past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerg

ed as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

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6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!

) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

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6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. Seuss

Pen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. Chicanery

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This word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. Boatswain

Okay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexa

nder Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The begi

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nning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pr

onounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. Comptroller

This word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-c

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onnery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that sil

ent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans love

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a long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/

If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventur

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e.

7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. Niche

When this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

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7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Angl

icized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a true French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. KiboshLet's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. Cache

Maybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun to mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

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7. BanalYou'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conversation.

11. NicheWhen this word was borrowed from French in the 17th century, it was quickly Anglicized to rhyme with "itch." But in the 20th century, more people embraced a tru

e French pronunciation and decided to pronounce it "neesh." Both are correct.Ever feel embarrassed when you don't know how to say a word? Don't be. Even the most fluent English speakers and, ahem, political figures stumble. Besides, pronunciations change over time. See if you've been mispronouncing these common words.

1. SeussPen names don't always make things easier. Theodore Geisel's college buddy Alexander Liang made a rhyme to teach you the right way to pronounce it:

"You're wrong as the deuce/And you shouldn't rejoice/If you're calling him Seuss/He pronounces it Soice" (or Zoice).

2. Kibosh

Let's put the kibosh, pronounced "KY-bosh," on saying this word like "kuh-BOSH."

3. CelticAn initial hard (k) sound is the standard, but linguists say the (s) sound emerged as far back as the 17th century. Still, you'll sound ridiculous (but correct!) if you bring that hard (k) to a Boston Celtics basketball game.

4. ComptrollerThis word sounds just like "controller." If you're tempted to pronounce that silent (pt), please comptroll yourself!

5. CacheMaybe it's because it's one letter short of "cachet." Maybe it's just more fun t

o mispronounce. This words sounds just like "cash."

6. ChicaneryThis word meaning "deception by trickery" is aptly tricky to pronounce. The beginning (ch) sound is "sh," as in "Chicago." The French pronounce the word "shih-connery," which makes it easy to remember the definition. However, Americans lovea long (a) and tend to pronounce it "shih-cane-a-ree." Choose your own adventure.

7. Banal

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You'll be the butt of the joke if you pronounce this "BAY-nul." It's "buh-NAHL."

8. AffluentIf pronouncing it "a-FLU-ent" is wrong, some people don't want to be right. Thestress on this word is supposed to be on the first syllable "AFF-lu-ent." But stressing the second syllable became so mainstream that dictionaries started validating the pronunciation in the 1980s.

9. ForbadePronunciation quirks and mistakes happen when people try to read and speak by the rules. Too bad the English language doesn't always make sense. The past tenseof "forbid" was originally supposed to be spelled and pronounced "for-bad." Butthen people started spelling it "forbade" and rhyming it with "made." Now linguists say the word sounds archaic any way you say it. Most people use "forbid" asa past or present-tense verb.

10. BoatswainOkay, so maybe this word's not that commonly used. But now that you know it's pronounced "bo-sun," you might find more reasons to work it into conve