I'm with the NYT on this one; highfalutin is closer to the pronounciation, while highfaluting adds on an additional "eeen" soun at the end that I think changes the word.
The Random House Dictionary of American Slang lists only highfalutin but, curiously, has it listed as both noun and adjective. In the entry for the adjective it is suggested that it is "probably influenced by high-flown".
The wonderful, wonderful Belknap Dictionary of American Regional English lists high-farkin' as a New England variation. The example given is, "What was that high-farkin' Annette going around thundered up like a saloon keeper's flossie for if she couldn't keep a knot-head like the sheriff off a them?" And you thought Deadwood was over the top.
I'm with the NYT on this one; highfalutin is closer to the pronounciation, while highfaluting adds on an additional "eeen" soun at the end that I think changes the word.
ReplyDeleteIf we're going to spell based on pronounciation, can I start typing "comftorble"?
ReplyDeleteThe Random House Dictionary of American Slang lists only highfalutin but, curiously, has it listed as both noun and adjective. In the entry for the adjective it is suggested that it is "probably influenced by high-flown".
ReplyDeleteThe wonderful, wonderful Belknap Dictionary of American Regional English lists high-farkin' as a New England variation. The example given is, "What was that high-farkin' Annette going around thundered up like a saloon keeper's flossie for if she couldn't keep a knot-head like the sheriff off a them?" And you thought Deadwood was over the top.
This is just the kind of... er... gratuitously erudite factoid I've come to expect from you, Bonin. :)
ReplyDeleteAnyone who puts a "g" on the end of highfalutin certainly is...
ReplyDeleteSince it's an invented word, I'm quite comfy in sticking with the more comfortable spelling.
ReplyDeleteWe'll have that incorporated into the style manual by next Wensday.
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