How to pronounce ossifer
Say it like OS-ih-fer. Ossifer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ossifer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OS
- ih
- fer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ossifer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of ossifer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OS-ih-fuh.
What does ossifer mean?
- A police officer.
Where does ossifer come from?
From a metathesis of officer, imitating the slurred speech of drunken drivers.
Questions about saying ossifer
How do you pronounce ossifer?
Say OS-ih-fer. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑsɪfɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɒsɪfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ossifer?
Ossifer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OS). Broken into parts: OS · ih · fer.
Is ossifer pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɒsɪfə/ (OS-ih-fuh).