This has been increasing in the last few years, and I can think of famous people who might have popularized it. To what am I referring? I refer to the annoying extra "h" sound added to words with an initial or internal "str." Listen to news broadcasts, interviews, and talk shows, and you will hear someone say "shtreet," "indushtrial shtrength," or "shtructure." This could be another example of lazy speech or of ordinary people trying to emulate and relate to celebrities. Is it really such a big deal?
No, it isn't a big deal, but it is bad enough that it will likely die out with other vocal fads. Like gravel speak, it is the artificiality of the speech that is irritating. After you listen to radio or television for examples, listen to yourself. Be sure you don't sound shtrange or, heaven forbid, even a little shtupid.
No comments:
Post a Comment