It should be "swap", and the other word should surely be deleted from the dictionary?
2006-08-04 07:47:31 · 13 answers · asked by R.I.P. 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Donna M: Yes, they are both in the dictionary. Have a look.
2006-08-04 07:58:02 · update #1
Yeah it does, doesn't it? Interestingly, both Webster's and Oxford prefer "swap" but include "swop" as a variant, and posters here seem to be accusing whatever side of the ocean they're not on of propogating it. (I'm Canadian, I would have thought of it as a British spelling off-hand.)
2006-08-04 09:29:11 · answer #1 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 11⤊ 1⤋
Swop is only in the dictionary as a variant spelling of swap. It must be for people who say words phonetically and think swap rhymes with map. I'm sure it won't be in for much longer. Don't let it keep you awake at nights!
2006-08-04 07:57:33 · answer #2 · answered by gymcoach81 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to my dictionary 'swop' means 'to exchange, to barter, an exchange: Also 'swap' (which can also mean a 'blow')'.
The reason that swop looks wrong to you is due to mind association and familiarity. You get used to seeing a word spelled in a particular way so any variation immediately makes your brain spot it and it looks 'wrong'. The problem is that some words, like swop, can be spelled in two different ways rather like 'hello' and 'hallo'.
2006-08-04 07:57:43 · answer #3 · answered by quatt47 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stick to the Oxford English dictionary! Webster's dictionary is Americanised. Note use of ~ise not America's preferred use of ~ize!!
Sorry American friends, but our UK English words are spelt so much nicer!
2006-08-04 08:05:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is swap.
Is there another spelling for it in the dictionary then?
UPDATE: Yes. Miss!
2006-08-04 07:55:34 · answer #5 · answered by Hello Dave 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ooh, i don't like that- anything that is misspelt or looks funny (like swop) annoys me- the American way of spelling English words annoys me too (no offence to anyone). I think i'll write to the Oxford dictionary about 'swop'- get it off my chest. x
2006-08-04 08:01:31 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because you should spell it "swap". Funny how the eyes get it right before the mind, isn't it?
2006-08-04 07:52:21 · answer #7 · answered by kiteeze 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It IS "swap." Maybe you should talk to Webster abut misprints.
2006-08-04 07:50:49 · answer #8 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All words look wrong if you think about them too much.
Especially Road.
2006-08-04 07:54:00 · answer #9 · answered by Wax Crayon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coz u spelt it wrong honey
2006-08-04 07:54:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋