sneak peak

[Michael H Covarrubias]

Laurence Horn wrote

> Could it be influence from the "sneak"?  Would the "sneak peak"ers be
> equally likely to refer to someone "peaking" around the corner or
> "taking a peak" at something/someone?  Basically, I'm talking
> orthographic assimilation here.
>
> LH
>

Makes sense. It looks like adjacent "sneak" might be an influence. Just one
article between the words makes a difference. And in other phrases that aren't
as cemented "peek" wins out in hits.

"sneak peak" - 1,420,000
"sneak peek" - 1,390,000

"sneak a peak" -  96,900
"sneak a peek" - 431,000

"sneaked a peak" -    606
"sneaked a peek" - 13,500

"snuck a peak" -    547
"snuck a peek" - 15,200

"peak around the corner" -   5280
"peek around the corner" - 18,000

"take a peak" -   289,000
"take a peek" - 1,810,000

"quick peak" -  71,900
"quick peek" - 342,000

"take a quick peak" - 28,200
"take a quick peek" - 70,300

Michael

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