Thanks for tuning in today. I read an interesting article that discussed words most often mispronounced in the English language. I got a chuckle out of some of the common mispronunciations of medical terminology in particular.
KNUCKLEHEAD
This bit of information might come in handy the next time you are discussing medical terms and don’t want to sound like a knucklehead. I know they helped me elevate my verbal skills a notch.
RINGING IN YOUR EAR
Tinnitus is commonly known as ringing in the ears. Most of us say “Tin-eye-tis.” The correct pronunciation is “Tin-it-us.” Note to self.
BETTER TO SEE YOU WITH MY DEAR
The next time you have your eyes examined, it is probably by an Ophthalmologist. It is not pronounced “Op-ti-mologist” rather “Off-thu-mah-luh-just.”
HOW SWEET IT IS
If you are one who’s pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, you might suffer from diabetes. The word is pronounced “Die-uh-bee-teez” as opposed to “Die -uh-bee-tuss.”
I DON’T RECALL
In case you forgot, the word Alzheimer’s should be pronounced “Altz-hy-murz.” It isn’t as much of a tongue twister as some might make it, and it is very definitely NOT pronounced “Old-timers!”
DON’T MENTION IT
This word is probably not something you discuss at the dinner table or a cocktail party however, if the subject does come it, the word is Kegel and is pronounced “Kay-gull” as opposed to “Kee-gull.” Now you can speak a bit more intelligently about this particular subject at your next social gathering.
DID YOU SEE THAT?
At your next eye exam, your doctor may want to dilate your eyes. Not “Die-uh-late.” There are not three syllables in this word. It is simply pronounced “Die-late.”
YOUR PRESCRIPTION IS READY
This one is no brainer however, you hear this mispronunciation all the time. For the record, the word is prescription is pronounced “Pri-scrip-shun” not “Per-scription.”
YOU SOUND LIKE A BOOB
When we are discussing the word mastectomy, remember, it is pronounced “Mass-tek-toe-mee.” Don’t skip over the first “t” or you will sound like a boob.
IT GOES TO YOUR BRAIN
The major blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to the brain are called “Ca-rotted” arteries. Spare yourself the embarrassment. They are not pronounced “Ca-roh-toid.”
HABITUAL OFFENDER
This is the one that gets top billing for the most commonly mispronounced medical term. Folks, it is not a “Prah-strate.” The correct pronunciation is “Prah-state.”
NOT STENOGRAPHER
The highly qualified staff member at High Desert Diagnostics who performs your ultrasound exam is NOT a “Stenographer.” This term defines someone whose job is to transcribe speech in shorthand. Our ultrasound technologists are referred to as “So-naw-graphers.”
BUYING A HOUSE?
This is not a medical term mispronunciation but I hear it often. The word realtor is commonly mispronounced. The correct pronunciation is “Real-tor” using two syllables as opposed to “Real-i-ter” or “Real-a-ter.”
HDD
Today’s blog was fun but now it is back to business. Remember, if our technologists can assist you with any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.