Versailles, etc.

[Kim & Rima McKinzey]

Sometimes I think that no matter how "descriptivist" we might describe
ourselves, there will always be a pronunciation or two that drives us up
the wall.

As a pronunciation editor, I'm often asked what bothers me.  Names of
people and places don't usually, because names can be pronounced however
the "owners" want.  (What was that Tom Lehrer line about his friend Hen3ry?
The 3 was silent.)

To me, 'awft at n, only announces that you know how to spell.  Ek'setr@ is
another that annoys, and 'æth @ leet.

Rima