How to pronounce expletives
Say it like EK-spluh-tivz. Expletives has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce expletives. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EK
- spluh
- tivz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Expletives pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- spluhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of expletives
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: EK-spluh-tivz.
What does expletives mean?
- plural of expletive
Questions about saying expletives
How do you pronounce expletives?
Say EK-spluh-tivz. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛksplətɪvz/. In British English it is /ˈɛksplətɪvz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in expletives?
Expletives has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EK). Broken into parts: EK · spluh · tivz.
Is expletives pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈɛksplətɪvz/ (EK-spluh-tivz).