I put this in the lounge because it isn't a writing question. It's more of a general wonderment. How do you pronounce interesting? With three syllables (in-tres-ting) or with four (in-ter-est-ing)? I pronounce it with four, and sometimes I annoy myself with it. Everyone I know pronounces it with three, so I feel weird or abnormal. I'd love to pronounce it with three! But it's become such a habit, I just can't break it. So which do you do?
I think you might have missed a trick; ask not only how to pronounce it, but also where the respondent is from... I've heard the four syllable version used a lot by folks based in the Dallas area of the US. I'm interested to know now if this is the source and want it confirmed!
It can be either 3 or 4, depends on how much effort I want to put into it. Though technically it is 4.
Three in general conversation. Four when it's code for "that's complete shit." E.g.: Someone: "Did you know chemtrails are poisoning us all?" Me: "In-ter-est-ing."
It's ok. I still like you. Besides, being weird is not so bad. It's those normal people you gotta watch out for.
100% agreement with @Tenderiser (damn it!) If I pronounce all four syllables it's because I'm trying to make a point. But I'm generally a pretty sloppy speaker. Too fast, too garbled. I want words to keep up with my brain, and apparently I refuse to accept that they don't. So any syllables I could possibly lose, I lose.
I bet you don't pronounce "woman" and "women" with ONE syllable, like I do. I develop a highly specific speech impediment whenever those words come up.
I say "animals" 50% of the time and "aminals" the other 50%. My nephew, as a toddler, said "aminals" and apparently my brain decided it was an excellent idea. My nephew is now driving, but I'm still saying "aminals" far too often. Stupid brain. ETA: What's the syllable you pronounce? Wan and Wen?
And/or your tongue is an unfortunate ruffian which grunts instead of speaking! (Please read the above in a posh accent. I don't know which one. The posh-i-est.)
"Pronounce the word the way God intended it to be, or every waking moment for you will become a swirling torrent of PAIN AND MISERY!"