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BillyBobBanana t1_j6p0qww wrote

How about strengths, the longest single syllable word in the English language

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DrBatman0 t1_j6pev31 wrote

In some parts of North America, "squirrel" is pronounced as "skwirl", which means that "squirelled" is slightly longer than "strengths".

In the rest of the world, though, it's two syllables.

EDIT: turns out it's not just NA vs the world.

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steveos93 t1_j6pfo55 wrote

Wait, I'm from Ireland, how else is it pronounced other than Skwirl??? Do people say skwir-ell??

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DrBatman0 t1_j6pgfs1 wrote

Yep. Short I sound like in "is" - skwi - rel.

See also, professor Quirrell. Like that but with an s.

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BillionTonsHyperbole t1_j6nrfi8 wrote

Try clapping out the syllables for "prism" with its singular vowel. The "m" is sonant, a speech sound that by itself makes a syllable.

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elpajaroquemamais t1_j6p5pso wrote

Saying the word also moves the sound from the back of your mouth to the front.

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BreakfastBeerz t1_j6ob74g wrote

According to the dictionary, it has one. I will not question that.

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DrBatman0 t1_j6pg2k7 wrote

A syllable is a unit of sound in a word that is typically made up of a vowel or a combination of a vowel and one or more consonants, and that is typically perceived as a distinct sound. In linguistic terms, a syllable is defined as a unit of sound in speech that is pronounced in one pulse or beat, and that forms a unit of rhythm in language

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sonicjesus t1_j6ph4sv wrote

Finally thought I had the world figured out and now everything once again is in question.

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jpett84 t1_j6o2qq0 wrote

I think vowels play a part in syllables. Sense 'crisps' only has one vowel, it has only one syllable.

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DrBatman0 t1_j6pfjry wrote

This is really disheartening to learn. Syllables agree about rhythm and sounds, not vowels. Consider the word maneuver. Does it gain an extra syllable of you use a different spelling: manoeuvre?

How many syllables does "tape" have, with two vowels, as opposed to "tap" with one?

Does "speed" have more syllables than "sped"?

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Juzofle t1_j6nr4d6 wrote

I was taught that a syllables can be counted by the number of times the chin moves when saying it. Acording to this logick it has 1 syllable.

Edited

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Mattie725 t1_j6nubtb wrote

tries to say a P without opening his mouth

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Calenchamien t1_j6o7e8y wrote

I think it’s actually the s at the end that’s the problem. A “p” is easy to say without opening your mouth. But you literally can’t make an s sound without parting your lips

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hearnia_2k t1_j6nvxh6 wrote

I don't think so, for example 'example' is 3, and 'channel' is 2.

In Channel you never close your mouth, so if you strat open you use 0 syllables, even if you start closed you only open it once.

With example you only close once during the word, si it's 1, unless you start with a closed mouth, then it's 2.

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Calenchamien t1_j6o7pot wrote

I learned it that syllables count the number of times you say a vowel sound (even if that sound is not produced by an actual vowel, as in “example”, where the “ple” sounds like “pull”)

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Showerthoughts_Mod t1_j6no4uz wrote

This is a friendly reminder to read our rules.

Remember, /r/Showerthoughts is for showerthoughts, not "thoughts had in the shower!"

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Rule-breaking posts may result in bans.

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Hysterical_Control_ t1_j6noeh4 wrote

Well, that depends on how many people you ask! Some might say it has two syllables, while others might say three. But no matter what the answer is, one thing is for sure - everyone loves a good crisp!

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xanthraxoid t1_j6o2qmr wrote

I'm only hearing one, myself, so I guess there are at least three answers...

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