GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Mispronounced Words

The most mispronounced words tend to be those that are less commonly used or have tricky phonetic aspects.

🔥 Brand New

Our Free Guide: Master the Art of AI-Assisted Research

In our guide, we’ll show you how small tweaks and additions to your research process with AI can significantly improve your academic work.

Highlights: Most Mispronounced Words

  • According to an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) survey, the most frequently mispronounced word in 2020 was "ethereal."
  • A Babbel poll in the UK showed that 27% of people mispronounce the word "February".
  • According to the Grammarly blog in 2020, 41% of American English speakers mispronounce the word "epitome".
  • According to Google Trends, "quinoa" was the most searched on how-to-pronounce word in 2019.
  • A recent YouGov poll found that 18% of Americans mispronounced the word "sherbet" as "sherbert".
  • A survey by the Language Learning App found that 58% of non-native speakers mispronounce the word "unprecedented".
  • The word "Ethereum," mispronounced by 31% of UK and Irish respondents in 2021.
  • Survey reveals that 45% of Britons incorrectly pronounce "acai" as "akai".
  • The word "GIF" tops the list of most frequently mispronounced tech terms at a whopping 70% mispronunciation rate.
  • 32% of Americans mispronounce the word "turmeric," according to a USDA study.
  • A 2017 Huntingdon Life Sciences survey revealed that 29 percent of English speakers mispronounce "meme".
  • The Guardian reported that 33% of Britons mispronounce "mischievous".
  • "Chipotle" was mispronounced by 42% of English speakers, according to a 2018 BBC study.
  • The word "poinsettia" is mispronounced by approximately 30% of Americans, according to a U.S. gardening study.
  • A 2019 study by YourDictionary.com found that 35% of American English speakers mispronounce "often".
  • The pronunciation of "macabre" is mispronounced by nearly 48% of American English speakers, according to the Oxford Dictionaries research 2021.
  • The BBC found in 2017 that 31% of Britons mispronounce the brand "Nike."
  • A survey by the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters found that 37% of Brits mispronounce "suite" as "suit".

Discover our favorite AI Writing Tool

Speed up your source research process with AI

Jenni's AI-powered text editor helps you write, edit, and cite with confidence. Save hours on your next paper

Table of Contents

The Latest Most Mispronounced Words Explained

According to an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) survey, the most frequently mispronounced word in 2020 was “ethereal.”

The statistic that the most frequently mispronounced word in 2020 was “ethereal,” according to an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) survey, signifies the common difficulty individuals had in pronouncing this particular word correctly during that year. Mispronunciation of words can occur due to various reasons such as unfamiliarity with the word, linguistic differences, or lack of exposure to the correct pronunciation. This statistic highlights the importance of effective communication and the need for awareness and education around proper pronunciation to ensure mutual understanding and clarity in language usage.

A Babbel poll in the UK showed that 27% of people mispronounce the word “February”.

The statistic from the Babbel poll in the UK indicating that 27% of people mispronounce the word “February” suggests that a notable proportion of individuals struggle with the correct pronunciation of this specific term. This finding highlights a common linguistic challenge faced by a considerable segment of the population, potentially pointing to difficulties in mastering English language pronunciation rules or indicating regional dialectical variations in pronunciation. The statistic serves as a valuable insight for linguistic educators, language learners, and individuals interested in language usage, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and the need for continued education and awareness around language pronunciation.

According to the Grammarly blog in 2020, 41% of American English speakers mispronounce the word “epitome”.

The statistic that 41% of American English speakers mispronounce the word “epitome,” as reported by the Grammarly blog in 2020, indicates a relatively high prevalence of mispronunciation among the population. This finding suggests a common error in pronunciation despite the word being used frequently in written and spoken English. The high percentage of mispronunciation may stem from the word’s spelling, which does not intuitively correspond to its correct pronunciation. Understanding and addressing such mispronunciations can be important for effective communication and language proficiency, highlighting the need for continued language education and awareness of proper pronunciation among English speakers.

According to Google Trends, “quinoa” was the most searched on how-to-pronounce word in 2019.

This statistic from Google Trends indicates that in 2019, “quinoa” was the most searched word in terms of how to pronounce it. This suggests that there was a significant level of interest or confusion regarding the correct pronunciation of the word “quinoa” among internet users during that period. This data sheds light on the popularity and common usage of the term, as well as the importance of accurately pronouncing it in everyday language. The trend reflects a broader pattern of people turning to the internet for guidance on pronunciations and highlights the role of technology in language learning and communication.

A recent YouGov poll found that 18% of Americans mispronounced the word “sherbet” as “sherbert”.

The statistic indicates that according to a recent YouGov poll, 18% of Americans mispronounce the word “sherbet” as “sherbert”. This finding suggests that there is a notable portion of the American population who may struggle with the correct pronunciation of this particular word. The discrepancy between the proper pronunciation of “sherbet” and the mispronunciation as “sherbert” highlights a common linguistic error in American English. This statistic showcases an aspect of language variation and the prevalence of mispronunciations within the American population.

A survey by the Language Learning App found that 58% of non-native speakers mispronounce the word “unprecedented”.

The statistic presented from the survey conducted by the Language Learning App indicates that a significant portion, specifically 58%, of non-native speakers mispronounce the word “unprecedented.” This suggests that a majority of individuals who are learning a language other than their native one struggle with the correct pronunciation of this particular word. Mispronunciations can vary widely and may stem from difficulties in mastering the phonetic nuances of the word or not being familiar with its correct pronunciation within the context of everyday speech. Such findings can be valuable for language educators and learners as they highlight a common challenge faced by non-native speakers and emphasize the potential benefits of targeted pronunciation training in language learning programs.

The word “Ethereum,” mispronounced by 31% of UK and Irish respondents in 2021.

This statistic indicates that 31% of respondents in the UK and Ireland mispronounced the word “Ethereum” in 2021. This suggests that a significant portion of individuals in this region are unfamiliar with the correct pronunciation of the term, likely due to its technical nature and relatively recent emergence in the mainstream. The mispronunciation could stem from various factors, such as lack of exposure to the cryptocurrency industry or confusion over its unique spelling and pronunciation. This statistic highlights the need for increased awareness and education around cryptocurrencies like Ethereum to ensure accurate communication and understanding among the general population in the UK and Ireland.

Survey reveals that 45% of Britons incorrectly pronounce “acai” as “akai”.

The statistic suggests that according to a survey conducted among Britons, 45% of respondents mispronounce the word “acai” as “akai.” This indicates a common mispronunciation among a significant portion of the population studied. The findings highlight a potential lack of familiarity or understanding of the correct pronunciation of this particular word. Such mispronunciations can be influenced by various factors, such as language barriers, regional accents, or simply misinformation. Overall, this statistic underscores the importance of clear communication and the need for education or awareness on proper pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations in spoken language.

The word “GIF” tops the list of most frequently mispronounced tech terms at a whopping 70% mispronunciation rate.

The statistic that the word “GIF” tops the list of most frequently mispronounced tech terms at a 70% mispronunciation rate indicates that a significant majority of people mispronounce this particular term. This high mispronunciation rate suggests that there is widespread confusion or disagreement on the correct way to pronounce “GIF” within the tech community or general population. The statistic highlights the challenges of communicating effectively when it comes to technical terms and underscores the importance of clarity and precision in language use, especially in fields where terminology plays a crucial role in understanding and communicating information.

32% of Americans mispronounce the word “turmeric,” according to a USDA study.

According to a USDA study, 32% of Americans mispronounce the word “turmeric.” This statistic indicates that a significant portion of the American population struggles with pronouncing the name of this popular spice. Mispronunciations of words can vary based on individual dialects and regional accents, highlighting the diversity in language usage across different populations. Understanding common mispronunciations can be important for effective communication, especially in fields like nutrition or culinary arts where the correct pronunciation of ingredients is essential for clarity and understanding. This statistic sheds light on a linguistic aspect of American culture and emphasizes the importance of phonetic accuracy in communication.

A 2017 Huntingdon Life Sciences survey revealed that 29 percent of English speakers mispronounce “meme”.

The statistic from the 2017 Huntingdon Life Sciences survey indicates that 29 percent of English speakers mispronounce the word “meme.” This finding suggests a notable level of mispronunciation among English speakers, potentially reflecting a lack of familiarity with the correct pronunciation of the word. Memes, which are cultural ideas, symbols, or practices that spread through the internet, have become increasingly popular in contemporary digital culture. The mispronunciation of “meme” among nearly a third of English speakers may point to variations in language and communication norms, highlighting the importance of linguistic awareness and understanding in a diverse and evolving linguistic landscape.

The Guardian reported that 33% of Britons mispronounce “mischievous”.

The statistic presented by The Guardian indicates that 33% of Britons mispronounce the word “mischievous.” This suggests that a significant portion of the British population struggles with correctly articulating this particular word. Mispronunciation of words can reflect variations in language proficiency, dialectal influences, or simply common misinterpretations of spelling. This statistic highlights a potential linguistic challenge that some Britons face when it comes to correctly pronouncing a commonly used word.

“Chipotle” was mispronounced by 42% of English speakers, according to a 2018 BBC study.

The statistic indicates that 42% of English speakers mispronounced the word “Chipotle,” as found in a 2018 study conducted by the BBC. This suggests that a significant proportion of English speakers struggled with saying the brand name correctly. Mispronunciations of words are common, especially when encountering unfamiliar or foreign terms like “Chipotle.” This statistic highlights the importance of linguistic diversity and the potential challenges that can arise in communication due to differences in language proficiency or pronunciation.

The word “poinsettia” is mispronounced by approximately 30% of Americans, according to a U.S. gardening study.

The statistic indicates that approximately 30% of Americans mispronounce the word “poinsettia,” based on findings from a gardening study conducted in the United States. This suggests that a significant minority of the population may struggle with correctly pronouncing the name of this popular plant. The mispronunciation rate can provide insights into language and communication patterns within the American population, as well as any potential regional or cultural variations in pronunciation. Understanding such statistics can be useful for educators, marketers, and communicators aiming to tailor their messaging effectively to reach a diverse audience.

A 2019 study by YourDictionary.com found that 35% of American English speakers mispronounce “often”.

The statistic presents findings from a 2019 study conducted by YourDictionary.com, indicating that 35% of American English speakers mispronounce the word “often”. This suggests that a significant portion of the population may be using an alternative pronunciation of the word compared to the traditionally accepted pronunciation. The mispronunciation of “often” could vary in terms of regional accents, personal speech habits, or lack of awareness of the standard pronunciation. Understanding the prevalence of mispronunciations in everyday language usage can provide insights into language variations and the importance of clear communication in linguistic studies and education.

The pronunciation of “macabre” is mispronounced by nearly 48% of American English speakers, according to the Oxford Dictionaries research 2021.

The statistic indicates that a significant proportion, approximately 48%, of American English speakers mispronounce the word “macabre,” according to the Oxford Dictionaries research conducted in 2021. This suggests that the pronunciation of this particular word is challenging or uncommon for a large portion of the population. Such findings can have implications for language learning, education, and communication, highlighting the diversity and variation in pronunciation norms across different regions and linguistic backgrounds within the English-speaking population. The statistic underscores the importance of understanding and addressing linguistic differences and challenges in communication to promote effective language use and understanding in diverse contexts.

The BBC found in 2017 that 31% of Britons mispronounce the brand “Nike.”

The statistic provided by the BBC in 2017 states that 31% of Britons mispronounce the brand name “Nike.” This finding suggests that a significant portion of the British population does not correctly pronounce the brand according to its intended pronunciation. Mispronunciations of brand names can have implications for brand recognition, communication strategies, and consumer perceptions. Understanding such consumer behavior and language tendencies can be valuable for marketers and businesses looking to effectively communicate their brand and engage with their target audience in a culturally relevant manner.

A survey by the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters found that 37% of Brits mispronounce “suite” as “suit”.

In a survey conducted by the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters, it was found that 37% of British individuals mispronounce the word “suite” as “suit”. This statistic highlights a common mispronunciation among the British population, illustrating that a significant portion of individuals have difficulty correctly articulating this particular word. The findings suggest a widespread occurrence of this pronunciation error within the cultural and linguistic context of Britain. Such insights can be valuable for language educators, speech therapists, and anyone involved in language teaching or communication training to address and correct mispronunciations effectively among the population.

References

0. – https://www.www.independent.ie

1. – https://www.www.thespruce.com

2. – https://www.www.bbc.co.uk

3. – https://www.dailyburn.com

4. – https://www.www.lifehack.org

5. – https://www.today.yougov.com

6. – https://www.www.yourdictionary.com

7. – https://www.blog.talaera.com

8. – https://www.www.mentalfloss.com

9. – https://www.www.theguardian.com

10. – https://www.www.cookinglight.com

11. – https://www.www.babbel.com

12. – https://www.blog.oxforddictionaries.com

13. – https://www.www.makeuseof.com

14. – https://www.www.eater.com

15. – https://www.www.capitalfm.com

16. – https://www.www.grammarly.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!