How to pronounce pettifog
Say it like PET-ee-fog. Pettifog has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pettifog. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PET
- ee
- fog
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pettifog pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- fogGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of pettifog
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PET-ee-fog.
What does pettifog mean?
- To quibble over trivial matters; nitpick.“Don't pettifog or we will soon grow weary.”
- To do a petty business as a lawyer, or carry out law business in a petty or tricky way.
Where does pettifog come from?
Back-formation from pettifogger.
Questions about saying pettifog
How do you pronounce pettifog?
Say PET-ee-fog. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛtiˌfɑɡ/. In British English it is /ˈpɛtiˌfɒɡ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pettifog?
Pettifog has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PET). Broken into parts: PET · ee · fog.
Is pettifog pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈpɛtiˌfɒɡ/ (PET-ee-fog).