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© Copyright 1999, Jim Loy
Most people err, when they say "err." The preferred pronunciation is "ur" (rhymes with "her"). Of course, because so many people pronounce it "air" (because of its association with "error") that has become an accepted, alternate pronunciation. Many mispronunciations have become accepted, in that way.
A few people commit a faux pas, when they pronounce "faux pas." That is pronounced "foe paw" ("foe paws" if it is plural).
I am told that "misspelled" is often misspelled. See Self-Reference & Circular Reference.
As long as I am complaining about words, "dove" (rhyming with "wove") has become an accepted past tense form of "dive." It makes me cringe, sorry. "Dive" used to be "dive, dived, have dived." For those people who say "have dove," that is still incorrect. Of course, "dove" (rhyming with "love") is a bird.
"All right" is often misspelled as one word, "alright." This spelling is now becoming acceptable. "Alright" probably comes from "already," which is perfectly correct. While I spell it, "all right," I strongly approve of the spelling "alright," as "all" is an unimportant part of that expression.
"Nuclear" is pronounced "NOO-klee-uhr." President Eisenhower mispronounced (and maybe misspelled) it "NOO-kyoo-luhr" ("nucular?"). That pronunciation still seems to be common. But, it has never become accepted.
Of course, I misuse and misspell words. I would appreciate being told about it.