On Tue, 13 Mar 2007 19:39:37 -0500, "cybercat" >
wrote:

>
>"Default User" > wrote in message
...
>> Puester wrote:
>>
>>> cybercat wrote:
>>>
>>> > It is "scahmpee." Who knows why we pronounce things the way we do.
>>> > Part is regional but part is other factors. Like ANT and ONT. I
>>> > can't stand hearing people say ONT because it just sounds so fakey,
>>> > like they are putting on airs. But maybe it IS ONT. ??
>>>
>>>
>>> Your AHNT is a parent's sibling. An ANT is an unwelcome picnic
>>> companion.
>>
>> Maybe in your idiolect, but for most people in my region they are
>> pronounced the same.
>>
>In my experience, it has always been really poor African Americans or rural
>mountain poor whites who engage in this affectation.
>

i think your observation is correct, but i'm not sure i would call it
an 'affectation.' if everyone else in your class or region pronounces
it that way, it's not like your putting on airs.

but i'll admit to snickering about it, though.

your uncle,
blake