How to pronounce frenemy
Say it like FREN-ih-mee. Frenemy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FREN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce frenemy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FREN
- ih
- mee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Frenemy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FRENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- meeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of frenemy
American and British speakers say frenemy in essentially the same way: /ˈfrɛnɪmi/ in the US and /ˈfrɛnɪmi/ in the UK.
British respelling: FREN-ih-mee.
What does frenemy mean?
- Someone who has traits of an enemy and a friend.
- A fair-weather friend who is also a rival.
Where does frenemy come from?
Blend of friend + enemy.
Questions about saying frenemy
How do you pronounce frenemy?
Say FREN-ih-mee. The American pronunciation is /ˈfrɛnɪmi/. In British English it is /ˈfrɛnɪmi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in frenemy?
Frenemy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FREN). Broken into parts: FREN · ih · mee.
Do Americans and Brits say frenemy the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfrɛnɪmi/ and the British form is /ˈfrɛnɪmi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.