| Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993. |
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| METATHESIS |
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| (primary stress is on the second of the four syllables) is the transposition of sounds or letters in the speaking or writing of words. The error causes the confusion of Calvary with cavalry and often makes revalent of relevant. All such errors are Substandard, as are the metathetic pronunciations NOO-kyoo-luhr for nuclear, PUHR-tee for pretty, and WAHPS for wasp, as well as the spelling ax and the pronunciation AKS for ask. See also SPOONERISMS. | 1 |
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| | | The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. Copyright © 1993 Columbia University Press. |
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