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Pronunciation difficulties

Pronunciation difficulties

Old May 30th 2012, 7:32 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Our's is Hemi, we planned ahead
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:36 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by FriendlyManitoba

Tell them when you swat him on the butt, he makes a bolt for the door.
I'm not sure I can pull off that sentence with a straight face.

Originally Posted by el_richo
Similar here. Mine is called Wally but most people hear "Wooly". Now i tell people his name is Steve.
I'm thinking of going with Hank. That seems safe, but then you just never know. I thought Robert was reasonable.
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:37 pm
  #33  
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by Dave n Ailsa
Our's is Hemi, we planned ahead
How do you pronounce it? Hee Mee? Hemmy? 'Emmy? Heh My?

It's all very confusing

Last edited by el_richo; May 30th 2012 at 7:41 pm.
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:38 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by Dave n Ailsa
Our's is Hemi, we planned ahead
You planned on the locals being confused?
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:39 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by ireland2canada
I'm not sure I can pull off that sentence with a straight face.



I'm thinking of going with Hank. That seems safe, but then you just never know. I thought Robert was reasonable.
How about Dave? They can pronounce their DDDDDDDDDDD's for sure
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:44 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by beautiful050278
How about Dave? They can pronounce their DDDDDDDDDDD's for sure
Dave seems fine until I hear it in my own voice. De-ave. Then the alarms bells start ringing. I'd have to say "Like short for David". That's no better than "Like short for Robert".

This isn't even the only problem, I'm fairly sure people around here think the other dog is called Chaaaahlie. Not that you can blame them, people expect to hear an R in there somewhere, but I have enough to worry about with Bobby/Hank.
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:49 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by ireland2canada
My dog is called Bobby. When people ask, and I say it, I get a blank look more often than not. When I say "Like short for Robert", some people remain blank, some people say "Oh, Baaawwwbby".

I now feel I have two choices, either ignore the question completely or tell them a name that is easier.

Suggestions welcome.
Don't try Geordie. This also provokes a stare of incomprehension but after two or three repeats they think he's called Jodi. He's getting a complex.
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:50 pm
  #38  
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by ireland2canada
Dave seems fine until I hear it in my own voice. De-ave. Then the alarms bells start ringing. I'd have to say "Like short for David". That's no better than "Like short for Robert".

This isn't even the only problem, I'm fairly sure people around here think the other dog is called Chaaaahlie. Not that you can blame them, people expect to hear an R in there somewhere, but I have enough to worry about with Bobby/Hank.
Tell them it's called "Shit". That's quite obvious when said, and should avoid follow up questions due to either shock or if there are kids around.

If they do ask about it, just tell them you call him after his favourite food.
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:55 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by el_richo
Tell them it's called "Shit". That's quite obvious when said, and should avoid follow up questions due to either shock or if there are kids around.

If they do ask about it, just tell them you call him after his favourite food.
You're right, I don't think I say Shit in an overtly foreign way. That would be a winner if only the dog wasn't so nice.

I think I'll just pretend to be deaf.
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:56 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by el_richo
Tell them it's called "Shit". That's quite obvious when said, and should avoid follow up questions due to either shock or if there are kids around.

If they do ask about it, just tell them you call him after his favourite food.
For a whippet, surely Devo would be less controversial? Especially if the dog's in shape.
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Old May 30th 2012, 7:56 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by Dave n Ailsa
Our's is Hemi, we planned ahead
Don't forget - In Canada, Hemi can be misconstrued as a short form of a hemmorhoid, that vascular structure in the anal canal which helps with stool control.

On a brighter note, it's also known as a particular type of Chrysler Engine.

Let's go with the engine.

Last edited by FriendlyManitoba; May 30th 2012 at 7:59 pm.
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Old May 30th 2012, 8:00 pm
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by Novocastrian
For a whippet, surely Devo would be less controversial? Especially if the dog's in shape.
I googled. Damn you.

I did meet a greyhound called Bones once, I thought that was quite good.
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Old May 30th 2012, 8:02 pm
  #43  
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

Originally Posted by FriendlyManitoba
Don't forget - In Canada, Hemi can be misconstrued as a short form of a hemmorhoid, that vascular structure in the anal canal which helps with stool control.

On a brighter note, it's also known as a particular type of Chrysler Engine.

Let's go with the engine.
But Hemi is pronounced Hem-eye in many places. If you say it with a short terminal vowel they'll call the poor dog Emmy. You can't win.
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Old May 30th 2012, 9:11 pm
  #44  
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

I wanted to call him Roger. Roger the dog
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Old May 30th 2012, 9:29 pm
  #45  
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Default Re: Pronunciation difficulties

I live in a village (they refer to as a town) called Cheltenham

here they say it Chel -ten -ham

as apposed to the more familar english chelt-num
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