Brain Teasers
No Vowels
Name a seven-letter word with no vowels in it.
Hint
Assume y is not a vowel.Answer
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since when is Y not a vowel?
never in standard English, it maybe in american English I dont know, But standard English vowels are and always have been A,E,I,O,U.
Y is a consonant, look in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Y is a consonant, look in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Every one knows that the letter Y is a vowel. Well not everyone suppose, You thought it wasn't
me and both the oxford english dictionary and websters complete english dictionary. perhaps every one is wrong, except you of course, o mighty Gokaran.
Gokaran, look at your own puzzle entitled "all the vowels" it says there that the letter Y is not one of the 5 vowels. Your words not mine. Have a nice day.
Apr 27, 2002
In this instance Y - usually known as a consonant - is acting as a vowel. From Webster's (as you recommended):
Vowel: Pronunciation: 'vau(-&)l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French vouel, from Latin vocalis -- more at VOCALIC
Date: 14th century
1 : one of a class of speech sounds in the articulation of which the oral part of the breath channel is not blocked and is not constricted enough to cause audible friction; broadly : the one most prominent sound in a syllable
2 : a letter or other symbol representing a vowel -- usually used in English of a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y
Vowel: Pronunciation: 'vau(-&)l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French vouel, from Latin vocalis -- more at VOCALIC
Date: 14th century
1 : one of a class of speech sounds in the articulation of which the oral part of the breath channel is not blocked and is not constricted enough to cause audible friction; broadly : the one most prominent sound in a syllable
2 : a letter or other symbol representing a vowel -- usually used in English of a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y
are you reffering to the American version of Websters Dictionary? The English version says and I quote. "vowel, n. each of the more open word sounds capable of forming syllables with vibration of vocal cords but without audible friction. letters representing this class are A,E,I,O,U. the Y is often mistakenly atributed as a vowel, due mainly to its smooth spoken form, (used most often in the USA and CANADA).
so it seems the problem is one of nationality rather than correctness. Although as far as proper english goes, the original dictionaries were first published in Enland and there fore the English version is most likely to be the correct one, as the English language was diluted and spoiled by the huge influx of foriegn tongues and dialects that were brought to the "new land". The American versions of the dictionary has probably been altered to reflect those dramatic changes to the correct English language.
so it seems the problem is one of nationality rather than correctness. Although as far as proper english goes, the original dictionaries were first published in Enland and there fore the English version is most likely to be the correct one, as the English language was diluted and spoiled by the huge influx of foriegn tongues and dialects that were brought to the "new land". The American versions of the dictionary has probably been altered to reflect those dramatic changes to the correct English language.
Apr 27, 2002
It is one thing to be proud of your nationality - it is quite another to be rude and disrespectful to others. As you can see from my source, even the word vowel is derived from other language sources, so to lay claim that suddenly one particular dialect of a language at one particular time in one particular place is the only correct one, is an arrogant and incorrect conclusion. We both speak English. The DIALECTS we use are somewhat different to reflect CHANGES over the years. No one has RUINED anything. I spell COLOUR different than an American would (COLOR), that doesn't mean they are wrong, nor am I. This is an international forum. You need to allow for that. You obviously knew that Y would be considered to be vowel by some, or you would not have given the hint you did. In the English I speak, all syllables in a word, MUST contain a vowel, therefore it is impossible to have a word that contains no vowels. In some English speaking countries (such as Scotland) even W is sometimes considered a vowel, such as in the word "cwm". If you want the only correct answer to be one that stems from a particular source, state that in your teaser, don't insult other users because they didn't know it from the start. However, I do thank you for helping me to learn something new today. I did not previously know that all English speaking people did not consider the vowels to be AEIOU and sometimes Y. Now I do.
Apr 28, 2002
Actually I do find references to "invading hoardes" and the language being "spoiled" insulting. End of discussion on my part.
thank the lord for that!
Apr 29, 2002
the way i learned vowels was A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y. in this case Y is considered a vowel, why dont you ask a college professor? look things up before you write it.
Y is only a sustitute vowel, not a proper one. You even say so your self Blondy that it is only sometimes a vowel.
cathalmcabe, first let me apologise for being Dyslexic and not fitting into your "erfect" (surely perfect) world of writing. secondly, the English lanuage is made up of numerous different lanuages and this is what makes it so rich, but this happens over many centuries allowing the country to incorperate the new influx and adapting the plethora of new influnences into a new, totally different language. I never said anything was wrong with American English, only that the Queens English had been spoiled, thus turning it into something very different. Unfortunately many languages are spoiled by Foriegn tongues, many lanuages have been "killed" off by too much diveresty. For example Latin was the world most perdominant and widely spoken lanuage at one point in history, but many years of Adaptation and foriegn influx has virtually killed off the lanuage. If you were to ask any proffessor of languages they will tell you that Latin was perhaps the most single greatest language this planet had ever seen. It wasn't a weak language that couldn't adapt, it was just diluted to a degree by outside infulences that it was spoilt beyond repair. The same is happening to the Queens English, it is being changed and altered by outside influences that it is in fear of becoming lost. I am proud of my Language as any one is of theirs, and adapting one language into anotheris not a bad thing, providing it isn't at the expence of the original language. and lastly don't show yourself up by posting comments about bad English, when yours are full of spelling mistakes itself.
there are only 5 vowels and there have only ever been 5 vowels.....true there are a number of consonants that can be substituted for vowels but they still remain consonants
thank you dark prince. no one would believe me.
oh my goodness. why does everyone argue about international spellings and languages being ruined and spoiled and how dialects differ and all that useless crap? good gravy, we'll never get to world peace if this keeps up. everyone is going to be "proud" of his or her own language. this cannot happen here people. let's learn to get along, huh? ok? it's not that big of a deal if someone spells things differently than you do. on the other hand, you may want to make sure (on any puzzle) that you include, you know, whatever you need to. if you're using a British dictionary, and you know that an American dictionary would define things differently, you might want to include that (i'm not saying you have to). and hey, you two. if you want, i'll be happy to act as a mediator so we can improve this relationship. just all let's calm down. sing a song. Let's all sing the Beatles' songs.
May 11, 2002
Y is not a vowel, never has been, hopefully never will be, unless our American friends decide to change more of the English language
oddly enough, on the oxford dictionaries' website (yes, the UK version of the site), they state that Y is, in fact, a vowel:
Yes, the letter Y is a vowel or a consonant! In terms of sound, a vowel is 'a speech sound which is produced by comparatively open configuration of the vocal tract, with vibration of the vocal cords but without audible friction...', while a consonant is 'a basic speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed' (definitions from the New Oxford Dictionary of English, 199. The letter Y can be used to represent different sounds in different words, and can therefore fit either definition. In myth or hymn it is clearly a vowel, and also in words such as my, where it stands for a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds). On the other hand, in a word like beyond there is an obstacle to the breath which can be heard between two vowels, and the same sound begins words like young and yes. (This consonant sound, like that of the letter W, is sometimes called a `semivowel' because it is made in a similar way to a vowel, but functions in contrast to vowels when used in words.) Whether the letter Y is a vowel or a consonant is therefore rather an arbitrary decision. The letter is probably more often used as a vowel, but in this role is often interchangeable with the letter I. However, the consonant sound is not consistently represented in English spelling by any other letter, and perhaps for this reason Y tends traditionally to be counted among the consonants.
www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutother/lettery?view=uk
Yes, the letter Y is a vowel or a consonant! In terms of sound, a vowel is 'a speech sound which is produced by comparatively open configuration of the vocal tract, with vibration of the vocal cords but without audible friction...', while a consonant is 'a basic speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed' (definitions from the New Oxford Dictionary of English, 199. The letter Y can be used to represent different sounds in different words, and can therefore fit either definition. In myth or hymn it is clearly a vowel, and also in words such as my, where it stands for a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds). On the other hand, in a word like beyond there is an obstacle to the breath which can be heard between two vowels, and the same sound begins words like young and yes. (This consonant sound, like that of the letter W, is sometimes called a `semivowel' because it is made in a similar way to a vowel, but functions in contrast to vowels when used in words.) Whether the letter Y is a vowel or a consonant is therefore rather an arbitrary decision. The letter is probably more often used as a vowel, but in this role is often interchangeable with the letter I. However, the consonant sound is not consistently represented in English spelling by any other letter, and perhaps for this reason Y tends traditionally to be counted among the consonants.
www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutother/lettery?view=uk
Mad-ade email me [email protected]
Y is only a vowel when used at the end of a word.
y is NOT a vowel, some of you need to go back to english class, and that is all.
not bad, actually, pretty good
Mad-Ade, I completely agree that Y is indeed not a vowel, only used as one. However, it's time to stop the constant stream of insults and interminable lists of how right you are, because it's obvious they spring out of need for self-aggregation.
Bluetwo, you are completely correct. A word completely consisting of consonants is impossible, since you need some open sound to connect the. And to you, Mad-Ade, it's time to stop the constant stream of insults and interminable lists of how right you are, because it's obvious they spring out of need for self-aggregation. It's really very irritating.
I'm not really sure if "Y" is a vowel in other countries but in Australia we've been taught since kindergarten that there are only 5 vowels and i'd never heard of "Y" being used as a vowel before! BUT i don't think the English language is being ruined by changing it, as the English language belongs to no-one in particular and everyone has a right to use it in the manner they choose! I hope i didn't upset anyone by saying this!
Mad Ade is actually right...For example like...If you think about it...people say A,E,I,O,U and SOMETIMES Y. Meaning it could or could not be a vowel. Very clever!
hey Mad-Ade, ignore everyone, it's a really good one and you are an asset to this site! rock on!
=¬ D
=¬ D
IN FRENCH, Y IS A VOWEL.. BUT STILL,
IF THERE'S A BAD Y TEASER, I HAVEN'T HEARD IT!
IF THERE'S A BAD Y TEASER, I HAVEN'T HEARD IT!
the way i was always instructed on what the vowels are is A E I O U "AND" sometimes Y but not always, since there are words that use y as a consonant and not a vowel.
in the off chance that someone actually gets to my comment , i would just like to say that i find it quite laughable that a simple brain teaser meant for entertainment has elevated into a controversal discussion that unbelievably spans a number of MONTHS lol
I must agrre with warithm. The debate sparked over something that is supposed to be nothing more than an entertaiment is laughable. It's obvious that 'Y' is veiwed by some as a sometimes vowel and by others as a consonant. These are differences in the way the English language is spoken and taught in different countries. I think we should appreciate these differences. Mad-ade this teaser is quite good regardless of the lengthy debate it spawned.
even though I'm American, I agree that Y isn't a vowel
Sep 29, 2003
Semiconsonant, or semivowel...and that's it!
Anyway, I was taught there are 5 vowels that have 12 different sounds and 8 vowels sound combinations.
And for the fussiest, there is a word in dictionary without vowels: 'brrr'
Anyway, I was taught there are 5 vowels that have 12 different sounds and 8 vowels sound combinations.
And for the fussiest, there is a word in dictionary without vowels: 'brrr'
...am I too late? Y is not a vowel!
If...and its a big If you allow it to be pronounced as one, this teaser is a WRITTEN one not a spoken one. So there
If...and its a big If you allow it to be pronounced as one, this teaser is a WRITTEN one not a spoken one. So there
The way I learned vowels in elementary school was A, E, I, O, U and sometimes Y and W.
Y and W are not vowels in English, technically speaking. However, in certain words, they act as vowels and are called as such. The real question here is whether or not a letter that acts as a vowel can be considered a vowel in that instance and it should be clear that it is.
In the case of the word 'rhythm' the Y is really being used in place of an I. Because the sound is by nature a vowel, it doesn't matter what letter is used, it is still a vowel. If we could all agree to use G in place of the Y for the I sound (i.e. rhgthm) then G would be a vowel in that word.
And I have to agree that if there is a bad 'Y' teaser, then I haven't heard it , even though they aren't valid.
Y and W are not vowels in English, technically speaking. However, in certain words, they act as vowels and are called as such. The real question here is whether or not a letter that acts as a vowel can be considered a vowel in that instance and it should be clear that it is.
In the case of the word 'rhythm' the Y is really being used in place of an I. Because the sound is by nature a vowel, it doesn't matter what letter is used, it is still a vowel. If we could all agree to use G in place of the Y for the I sound (i.e. rhgthm) then G would be a vowel in that word.
And I have to agree that if there is a bad 'Y' teaser, then I haven't heard it , even though they aren't valid.
I have NEVER known an english 'Y' to be a vowel. Foreign maybe. So the hint does not need to say 'assuming', or the hint maybe is unnecesary.
Y is NOT a vowel.
It may, on occasions, be used in place of a vowel, but that doesnot make it a vowel!
If I make an apple pie, but have no apples so I use pears instead, it doesn't make the pears, apples.
It may, on occasions, be used in place of a vowel, but that doesnot make it a vowel!
If I make an apple pie, but have no apples so I use pears instead, it doesn't make the pears, apples.
Just seen my own comment from nearly a year ago
Wow. Was all the debating really necessary? Whether or not "Y" is a vowel will probably be debated forever. Much like the "Is a tomato a fruit or a vegatable?" debate.
Sheesh.
This was an excellent teaser. I loved it.
Sheesh.
This was an excellent teaser. I loved it.
I liked this teaser. Well done. Thanks for posting.
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