Why is the word lieutenant pronounced leftenant by the British?

Why is the word lieutenant pronounced leftenant by the British?

According to military customs, a lower ranking soldier walks on the left side of a senior officer. This courtesy developed when swords were still used on the battle field. The lower ranked soldier on the “left” protected the senior officers left side. Therefore, the term leftenant developed.

How do you pronounce lieutenant in the UK?

No one can really say why in the British Army the word is pronounced “left-tenant” but it’s notable that in the Royal Navy the pronunciation seems half way across the ocean. They drop the “f” and say “le-tenant.”

Do you say Lieutenant leftenant?

A Lieutenant (a leader of a platoon) is pronounced ‘Left-tenant’ in the U.K. (as he/she is left the tenancy of command). In the US however, the word is pronounced as ‘Lew-tenant’, much to British distaste. Leftenant is the U.K. and Commonwealth pronunciation. USA pronunciation of the same rank is LOOtenant.

Why do Brits say Darby?

Why is Derby pronounced Darby? Because it is. In British English “clerk” is also pronounced “clark”. If you want to totally waste your life in a futile endeavour, then looking for logic in English spelling and pronunciation is as good a way to do it as any I can think of.

How is lieutenant pronounced in Australia?

Australian military personnel pronounce ‘lieutenant’ as ‘lef-ten-ent’.

Why is Ralph sometimes pronounced Rafe?

Ralph (pronounced /rælf/ RALF; or, more rarely, /reɪf/ RAYF,) is a Germanic, Irish, and Scottish masculine given name, derived from the Old English Rædwulf and the longer form Radulf, cognate with the Old Norse Raðulfr (rað “counsel” and ulfr “wolf”).

What language does Lieutenant come from?

A Lieutenant is an officers rank in the military, police and fire departments. It is an entry level supervisory position. The word comes from the French language. Lieu means “place” and tenant means “holding”. A lieutenant is someone who takes the place of a superior when that person is not available.

What language is the word lieutenant?

The word lieutenant derives from French; the lieu meaning “place” as in a position ( cf. in lieu of ); and tenant meaning “holding” as in “holding a position”; thus a “lieutenant” is a placeholder for a superior, during their absence (compare the Latin locum tenens ).

What does the name Lieutenant mean?

What Does Name “Lieutenant” Mean. You have an executive ability, you are a leader. You are moral, balanced, honest and intellectual, and you may attain spirituality. You are wise and practical with an appreciation of beauty. You always think before you act.You are intuitive and might be interested in the arts, drama or science.

What is the etymology of the word lieutenant?

The word lieutenant derives from French; the lieu meaning “place” as in a position (cf. in lieu of); and tenant meaning “holding” as in “holding a position”; thus a “lieutenant” is a placeholder for a superior, during their absence (compare the Latin locum tenens).

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