Pronunciation (was : On the subject of naming the Dapper successor )

[Peter Garrett]

On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 13:57:18 -0500
Shawn McMahon <smcmahon at eiv.com> wrote:

> > Yeah, that's definitely a US thing.  I guess pronouncing "zero" as "oh" must
> > be a US thing too?

Common in Australia. In fact you rarely hear 'zero" in Australia used in
common speech. It's more a mathematical / scientific / geek word. Two
identical numerals in a phone number will be pronounced, for instance
"double oh" or "double four" , as well. I haven't heard Americans do that
either...
> 
> Dunno.  What I've wondered about is how many countries say "zee" and how
> many say "zed"?

'Zed" is British in origin, as far as I know. Most Commonwealth countries
would use "zed" rather than "zee". "British heritage" countries tend to say
"beeta" rather than "bayta" for "beta", I would say also.

I've noticed Australians who went to Catholic schools populated by Irish
nuns and brothers say "haitch" for "aitch"   (letter h) as well ;-)

How off-topic is this?  *grin*

Peter