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Comptroller

Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 6:52 pm
by Perry Lassiter
Have you all been following the comptroller-controller argument in NY. Seems the holder of the office insists on pronouncing the mp, whereas the "experts" insist the spelling is a holdover from French, and the French always leave out sounds here and there.
Anyone want to weigh (way?) in?

Re: Comptroller

Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 7:45 pm
by Slava
I haven't even heard of the NY controversy, but I admit to having always pronounced the -mp-. Or at least the -m- with a silent -p-, as in swimming. To me, it makes the word officially about financial dealings, not simply control.

Re: Comptroller

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 3:12 pm
by Perry Lassiter
OK Slava, you forced my hand. Made me do research. I found all dictionaries pronounced it controller except one (AHD) that allowed the mp as a second pronunciation. I gathered the meaning is the same, although with the mp inserted, it seems to apply to more prestigious jobs.