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A mischievous (or mis-chee-vious, as some would say) little guy Alamy Stock Photo
The Daily PollHow do you pronounce ‘mischievous’?
You just said it out loud, didn’t you?
IT TURNS OUT that the word mischievous – meaning “bad behaviour that is annoying but does not cause any serious damage or harm” – is one of the most commonly mispronounced words in English.
While it’s meant to be pronounced as mis-chuv-vuhs, a lot of people throw in an extra syllable and out comes mis-chee-vious.
But this pronunciation is now widely accepted in casual speech, says lexicographer Susie Dent, who has appeared in Dictionary Corner on Channel 4′s Countdown since 1992.
Only two words in English end with ‘ievous’: mischievous, and grievous. So in fairness, it’s an easy mix-up.
So, tell us (be honest): How have you been pronouncing ‘mischievous’?
Poll Results:
Mis-chee-vious (4270)
Mis-chuv-vuhs (3306)
I don't know – I'm questioning myself now... (428)
I say it a different way (194)
have your say