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Old 02-08-2019, 04:09 PM   #1
77Birdman
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Default Pronunciations

Sorry for this not being model A related, but I hear the tv commentators at the auctions calling this type of vehicle different than I have always said. Like to hear you guys opinions. I am 55 and for my entire life it has always been Willy's (will-eees), the tv guys are now saying (will-iss) What do all of you say. Also, I have noticed whilst watching movies from the 30's-40's that they say
Koo-pay (coupe), I have always said Koop. Again, what is the general consensus.
Thanks in advance
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Old 02-08-2019, 04:16 PM   #2
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Default Re: Pronunciations

will-eees and koop - and I'd say the latter is Model A related
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Old 02-08-2019, 04:30 PM   #3
Will N
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That "Willis" pronunciation seem to come from "people in the know" of how Mr Willys pronounced his name. But IMHO, if you want the name to be pronounced "Willis", spell it "Willis". Willys is the spelling of a word that is pronounced "Willees".

Koopay would only be correct if there was an acute accent over the final e in Coupe. There ain't, so it's Koop.

Nuf said.
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Old 02-08-2019, 04:44 PM   #4
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That "Willis" pronunciation seem to come from "people in the know" of how Mr Willys pronounced his name. But IMHO, if you want the name to be pronounced "Willis", spell it "Willis". Willys is the spelling of a word that is pronounced "Willees".

Koopay would only be correct if there was an acute accent over the final e in Coupe. There ain't, so it's Koop.

Nuf said.
"What you talkin about Willis?"
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Old 02-08-2019, 04:50 PM   #5
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Languages always evolve, and not necessarily for the better.

The thought of pronouncing the name of a car body style like the name of a chicken habitat gives me the willies.
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Old 02-08-2019, 04:57 PM   #6
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While we are on the subject, does 'phaeton' have two syllables, or three?

Thanks
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Old 02-08-2019, 05:56 PM   #7
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Default Re: Pronunciations

Willys was a motor company founded by John Willys. The name is not a possessive name of Willy's. I've always heard it pronounced as if Willis not like possessive Willie
Just WIK
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Old 02-08-2019, 08:03 PM   #8
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While on this subject, how about the dipshit announcers on TV pronouncing it "Deezill".
It is not spelled that way and definitely not pronounced that way.

Have you ever noticed how the circle track races almost always have an ex racer to keep the regular TV announcer in line on pronouncing and technical info?
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Old 02-08-2019, 08:32 PM   #9
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While on this subject, how about the dipshit announcers on TV pronouncing it "Deezill".

Here's how Webster pronounces diesel. (click on the little speaker). I'm not sure how that is different from "deezil". How do you pronounce it"

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel
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Old 02-08-2019, 08:57 PM   #10
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Default Re: Pronunciations

I grew up with Willis but then again I'm from the South and we talk a little different. At least my Yankee wife tells me. The coupe is a koop.
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Old 02-08-2019, 09:03 PM   #11
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On another note but related Coupe as in Coop? Or Coupe' as in Coopay? Always coop to me like chicken coop but my English teacher 56 years ago said Ward Cleaver was correct Coopay.
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Old 02-08-2019, 09:13 PM   #12
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Here's how Webster pronounces diesel. (click on the little speaker). I'm not sure how that is different from "deezil". How do you pronounce it"

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel
Webster needs to get out in the real world.
I have been in the industry for 67 years and never heard it pronounced with a "z"
till TV came along.

It is pronounced, dee sul. Accent on "dee".
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Old 02-08-2019, 09:42 PM   #13
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I'll leave you guys to stoush this one out on your own. From our perspective, you don't pronounce much correctly anyway.
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Old 02-08-2019, 09:48 PM   #14
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I'll leave you guys to stoush this one out on your own. From our perspective, you don't pronounce mush correctly anyway.

That's not quite true. They pronounce things how they are written.

Except for "coupe". This has obviously led to much confusion.
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Old 02-08-2019, 10:53 PM   #15
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Hey, this is fun. Let's try "Houdaille".
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Old 02-08-2019, 10:59 PM   #16
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Who dally?
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Old 02-08-2019, 11:07 PM   #17
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Default Re: Pronunciations

we say, WILL-EEES … out here in California
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Old 02-08-2019, 11:27 PM   #18
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And some say Krick for creek. This could cover 90% of the lanuage. Raa diator or Ray diator? And remember there is no "r" in Boston. Nay one!
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Old 02-08-2019, 11:46 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by updraught View Post
That's not quite true. They pronounce things how they are written.

Except for "coupe". This has obviously led to much confusion.
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Old 02-09-2019, 12:07 AM   #20
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Default Re: Pronunciations

As far as I am concerned, the willees was parked next to the koop, down by the crick.. let's jump in the fay e ton,
And go see if it's still there.
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