March 31, 2008
A Mispronunciation in McCain's Reach Toward His Submarine Lineage
Sen. John McCain has released a new campaign video that mentions his family background in the military, specifically his high-ranked father and grandfather. The campaign video mentions McCain's dad, John S. "Jack" McCain, Jr., who was a four-star admiral in the Navy. The part that's going to cause cringing among those watching from the basement bar at the submarine veterans club in Groton is that the announcer says the elder McCain was a "sub-mariner" and not "submarine-er," which is the way the submarine community pronounces it.
I know. It sounds silly, right? But just try pronouncing it that way in Groton. You'll receive some swift instruction.
If McCain hopes to impress the military loyalists in Southeastern Connecticut, he might want to send that announcer back to the sound booth.
Hartford Courant
I don't believe the age old discussion has ever definitively been solved but I prefer "submarine-er" as when referring to people who wear the dolphins.
Pronouncing it as "sub-mariner" makes me think of a comic book character. (as well, pronouncing it this way will earn you the wrath of Mrs. Whizzer, my dear lovely wife.)
So, "sub-mariner" or "submarine-er," which do you find more correct?
1 comment:
Who do you think YOU are? The Senator is a Capt. (ret) his Dad was a 4 star and a submariner. I suspect he knows how his Dad referred to himself, eh?
Post a Comment