Spelled out phonetically, it's "'kris-m&s" (M-W).
Yet, the root word Christ, is pronounced "'krIst" (M-W).
I don't know anyone who says it "'jE-z&s 'kris", do you?
Merriam-Webster clears it up:
Etymology: Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass
I'm thinking that in the hustle and bustle of the season, compounded by the increasing trivialization of the event, has led us to change the meaning, and subsequently the pronunciation, of Christ-mas. It hasn't truly been a celebration of Christ's birth in a long time - the commercial aspect has long dominated the day.
So here's my plan: Let's fight back.
Let us say Merry Chris-mas no longer.
From now on, it's Merry Christ-mas.
And bah humbug on anybody who takes offense.
Merry Christmas, y'all.
I'm with you in the spirit of your rebellion, but I think our pronunciation of Christmas has more innocent roots. As far as linguists know, the Old English vowel "i" did not sound like the i in "right", but either like the i in "tin" (or in "Christmas") or the e in "be". So it's possible we should be saying "'krEs-m&s" but more likely we've got it more or less right as is. Etymologically speaking, at least.
Be that as it may, Old English phonetics doesn't excuse the distracted spectacle of modern Christmas. "Merry ChrIstmas" would certainly serve as a needed reminder, even if it's not historically accurate. I say go for it.
By
Anonymous, at
12/29/2004 01:52:00 AM
^^^ speak up ^^^