How to pronounce pettifogger
Say it like PET-ih-fog-er. Pettifogger has four 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 pettifogger. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PET
- ih
- fog
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pettifogger 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.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- fogGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of pettifogger
- 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.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PET-ih-fog-uh.
What does pettifogger mean?
- Someone who quibbles over trivia, and raises petty, annoying objections and sophistry.
- An unscrupulous or unethical lawyer, especially one of lesser skill.
Where does pettifogger come from?
petty + fogger
Questions about saying pettifogger
How do you pronounce pettifogger?
Say PET-ih-fog-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛtɪˌfɑɡɚ/. In British English it is /ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pettifogger?
Pettifogger has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PET). Broken into parts: PET · ih · fog · er.
Is pettifogger 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 /ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡə/ (PET-ih-fog-uh).