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How do you say Realtor?

We all are bothered by things that seems like no big deal to others. Popping gum, not hitting the gas the split second the light turns green, talking too much to the cashier in the line at Starbucks, talking too loud on an airplane...all things that to me, are like nails on a chalkboard (Ironically, nails on a chalkboard don't bother me that much). Chill out Jason, you say?! Okay, well there is one more thing that drives me crazy. It's the fact that half of our population (and way too many real estate agents) can't pronounce the words Realtor and realty. This week I've noticed it more than usual. Real-la-tor is wrong and makes you sound uneducated. Real-la-ty is wrong and also, makes you sound uneducated. And if you say, "When my listing sales...", you should be smacked. It's "When my listing sells...".

No big deal you say? What facial expression did you make the last time you heard our president say nucular? To be sure, Realtor is on the list of the 100 Most Mispronounced Words.

Posted by Jason Edwards on 11/14/2006 11:05 AM

Comments (15)

realtor, realty, uneducated, mispronounce

15 Comments on How do you say Realtor?

NOV

2006

True Dat! But I've learned by living on both the East Coast and West Coast that people talk different and that is simply the way it is...What bothers me more...Misspellings..lol

Scott

Ahhhh my Pet Peeve check out my blog …I have been forever correcting agents on the pronunciation of the term REALTOR….it is not REAL- AH- TOR…great topic.

Have heard some of our top agents in the country mispronounce this glad you brought it up.

There was a story about the two words in REALTOR® Magazine earlier this year, both words. Nuclear (is that spelled right?) and REALTOR®

Great list of mispronounced words. Thanks

I have to agree with Scott. People from different areas speak and pronounce their words differently. What you think is the correct or incorrect way may simply be a regional accent:)

People do speak differently. Accents, slang, etc. Regional accent or not, one is correct english and one is lazy, unprofessional, and most importantly - not correct english!

Thank you for the list of mispronounced words! And I second the sentiments of Jason Edwards (above). No, speaking the local slang does not enhance your relationship with the client. It only makes you local, and less professional. If you want someone to know you are a localboy, just tell them so in plain English!

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source

ac·cent
n.

The relative prominence of a particular syllable of a word by greater intensity or by variation or modulation of pitch or tone.
Vocal prominence or emphasis given to a particular syllable, word, or phrase.
A characteristic pronunciation, especially:
1. One determined by the regional or social background of the speaker.

As opposed to "local slang"

Part of me says let this go...the more dominant side of me says...

No big deal giving emphasis to a particular syllable. Adding a syllable? I'm not buying it.

Jason,

I personally do not pronounce it incorrectly. And I personally am very big on pronunciation and spelling:)

Just trying to acknowledge all types of speech. I was also trying to differentiate to Michael, above, the difference between accents and slang.

You are absolutely correct. REAL-A-TOR is incorrect!

Got it...thanks for furthering the discussion by the way. I love this forum, don't you?

I have to admit, I make a conscious effort to not sign in to Active Rain until I am actually finished working!..But, I can't say I don't.

There's always something going on here, It's Great. But as I'm sure you have noticed. It can be addicting.

NOV

2006

When my listing sales I'm gonna be looking for the water! OK it doesn't have the same impact in print, but when someone is sayig it.... Well, this real-a-tor must go now...

HA! Thanks for the laugh Chris...print translated for me!

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