Nucular

Nucular is an intentional misspelling of the word nuclear which is usually intended to express contempt or amusement towards the commonplace {{IPA|}} (in IPA) pronunciation of that word instead of {{IPA|}} or {{IPA|}}.

Related Topics:
Nuclear - IPA

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This pronunciation is especially common in the U.S. Southern states, and the pronunciation is a revealing cultural shibboleth.

Related Topics:
U.S. Southern states - Shibboleth

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It is disapproved of by some who consider it a mispronunciation, although the Merriam-Webster dictionary says: http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=nuclear

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:"Though disapproved of by many, pronunciations ending in {{IPA|}} have been found in widespread use among educated speakers including scientists, lawyers, professors, congressmen, U.S. cabinet members, and at least one U.S. president and one vice president. While most common in the U.S., these pronunciations have also been heard from British and Canadian speakers."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Merriam-Webster receives enough questions about their inclusion of this pronunciation in the dictionary that it is one of two pronunciations which receive particular mention in their FAQ (along with "February"). http://www.m-w.com/help/faq/pronounce.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~