Moderators Nan Posted September 9, 2005 Moderators Posted September 9, 2005 Apropos of absolutely nothing - what is the English word with the greatest number of consecutive consonants ? The rules are (1) y cannot be used as a vowel (2) No proper names nor technical jargon (3) At least one other person must recognise the word. <img src="/ubbtreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Quote
Moderators Bravus Posted September 9, 2005 Moderators Posted September 9, 2005 Hmm, 'duckshoot' has four, and no doubt there are quite a few like that. Anyone think of one with 5 or more? You medicos might have some... Quote Truth is important
Moderators Bravus Posted September 9, 2005 Moderators Posted September 9, 2005 'backsplash' has 5 (that's the term for the tiled area on the wall above your sink or stove) - someone got a 6? Quote Truth is important
there buster Posted September 9, 2005 Posted September 9, 2005 "latchstring?" Quote “the slovenliness of our language makes it easier to have foolish thoughts.” George Orwell
Moderators Nan Posted September 9, 2005 Author Moderators Posted September 9, 2005 Doing well, I do not have the answer - just wanted to see what was around. I do not know any medical terms with more than quoted here, and was trying to avoid words of that genre. Quote
Moderators Bravus Posted September 9, 2005 Moderators Posted September 9, 2005 Yeah, I guess they'd fall under the 'technical jargon' rule... Quote Truth is important
there buster Posted September 9, 2005 Posted September 9, 2005 catchphrase Quote “the slovenliness of our language makes it easier to have foolish thoughts.” George Orwell
Moderators Nan Posted September 9, 2005 Author Moderators Posted September 9, 2005 Interesting but I guess logical that these words are compound ones. Quote
there buster Posted September 9, 2005 Posted September 9, 2005 Well, the longest word in English with only one vowel is "strengths." It has five consonants in a row, and eight over all. Two words contain all five and vowels, each vowel only once. "Facetious," in which the vowels are in alphabetical order, and "Euphoria," where, except for "E," they would be in reverse order. Quote “the slovenliness of our language makes it easier to have foolish thoughts.” George Orwell
aldona Posted September 10, 2005 Posted September 10, 2005 You said we can't use "y" as a vowel... that means I nominate the word "rhythm". Or better still, "rhythms." aldona Quote www.asrc.org.au (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Melbourne)Helping over 2000 refugees & asylum seekers each monthIMSLP/Petrucci Music LibraryThe Public Domain Music Score Library - Free Sheet Music DownloadsLooking for classical sheet music? Try IMSLP first!
Moderators Nan Posted September 10, 2005 Author Moderators Posted September 10, 2005 According to the rules y is functioning as a vowel in that word so would have to disqualify it. Sorry ! Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.