Random thoughts of Terry Hamblin about leukaemia, literature, poetry, politics, religion, cricket and music.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Wretched wretch retching after chemotherapy
I wish people would learn how to pronounce English properly. The word 'retch' is pronounced 'reach' and it means to heave as if to vomit. It is not pronounced 'wretch' nor is it spelled the same way.
The word was originally spelled 'reach' but in the 16th century, the spelling (though not the pronunciation) changed to retch. The original spelling is retained in Midlands dialects. The Concise Oxford Dictionary only gives the long 'e' verion.
well viva la difference, sayeth the American who speaks American English, and rarely reaches when he retches (that is reaching the emesis basin or porcelain throne, aka toilet)
6 comments:
Collins English Dictionary
retch (rɛtʃ, riːtʃ)
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary
Pronunciation: /ˈrech,
esp British ˈrēch/
"Let's call the whole thing off"
;)
Whose language is it anyway?
The only thing I am "reaching" for after chemo is the door handle...
The pronunciation and the spelling of 'retch' is a 'stretch'...
God Bless,
The word was originally spelled 'reach' but in the 16th century, the spelling (though not the pronunciation) changed to retch. The original spelling is retained in Midlands dialects. The Concise Oxford Dictionary only gives the long 'e' verion.
well viva la difference, sayeth the American who speaks American English, and rarely reaches when he retches (that is reaching the emesis basin or porcelain throne, aka toilet)
I was reminded of a line from My Fair Lady--in America, they haven't used it [English] for years.
I am praying for your complete recovery, beyond anything I can think or ask.
Carter in Texas
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