A recent conversation around the office focused on mis-pronounced words and how much they can sound like nails on a chalk board. One of my favorites is “pacifically” instead of the correct “specifically.” Another really good one is “supposably” instead of “supposedly.” Thanks to Joey Tribianni, I think that one’s on its way out though.
What I don’t understand is how people are going through their entire lives, into late adulthood, without being corrected. Is it a regional thing? Is it ok to say “pacifically” if you’re from another state and I’m just being ignorant to cultural differences? Or is the correct way to speak English a national concern and we should take it upon ourselves to correct someone when we hear them say “irregardless”?
I want to say it would be akin to telling someone their fly is down, or they have somehting in their teeth. Is it the polite thing to do, a way to be a kind stranger, or would they think you were calling them stupid and think your were the meanest jerk ever? These struggles we face in everyday life can really be exhausting.
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I think your issue can be divided into two categories: using the wrong word and mispronouncing. I’d say the former is just plain wrong but the latter is often just a personal quirk.
I can spell across but I incorrectly say “acrosst”.