Why do we say lieutenant the way we do, I understand the way the Americans say it but why do we say it 'leftenant'? This has puzzled me for a while now and although it isn't very important, I'd still like to know if anyone knows the answer or has any ideas!
2007-02-04 07:40:32 · 5 answers · asked by soph 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lieutenant#Pronunciation
2007-02-04 07:45:23 · answer #1 · answered by James D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The English pronunciation was prevalent during the 14th and 15th centuries with the word being variously spelled as lieftenant, lyeftenant or luftenant. It may have originated from a mistaken reading of the 'u' as a 'v' (u and v originally were written as the same letter), with v eventually assimilating in voice to /f/. Some sources state that the original French word lieu had an alternative form spelt and pronounced lieuf, and that the modern standard English form retains the former spelling and the latter pronunciation.
It has also been speculated that it may have come from a fanciful etymology which associated it with the verb 'to leave', as the lieutenant only took up his duties once his superior officer had 'left'.
Another theory comes from the fact that in typical propriety the person or persons standing to the rear-left of a gentleman held power and were typically those directly second to him. The person or persons standing to the rear-right were considered to have no or less standing than those to the rear-left, such as aides, bodyguards, wives, etc., often holding this position for simple facility rather than societal importance. This tradition remains in military parades, with lieutenants standing to the rear-left of the commanding officer (when facing the advance.)
2007-02-04 10:49:19 · answer #2 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ITS a french word, lieutenant. second in command. so i guess the reason we say left tenant is like our version of second in command ( or maybe in ceremonies he has to stand to the left of the other guy) left hand man (instead of his right hand man, which would be first in command) ? good question!
2007-02-06 01:10:19 · answer #3 · answered by ravey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont i pronounce it as lu-ten-ant
2007-02-05 08:28:15 · answer #4 · answered by L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
we dont do we?
2007-02-04 07:50:03 · answer #5 · answered by richard g 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋