We’ve talked about ridiculously long words, and vaguely more recognizable long words.
Today’s words aren’t very long, but they are the longest of their kinds.
Can I buy a vowel, Pat?
Euouae is only six letters long, but every single letter is a vowel.
If you’re wondering what it means, it’s a musical term from medieval times. So, I’m sure you’ll find all sorts of ways to use it in everyday conversation.
And its pronunciation is…disputed. I found several ways to pronounce it, along with opinions that it shouldn’t be pronounced at all, since it is really more of a mnemonic for the vowels of the words at the end of liturgical chants and hymns. Above the “euouae” are the notes indicating how the last six notes should be sung.
Anyway, this little guy actually holds two Guinness World Records
- It’s the longest English word composed exclusively of vowels.
- It has the most consecutive vowels of any word.
No. There are no vowels left.
If you tsktsk someone, you indicate your disapproval by makeing a tsktsk sound.
Tsktsk is the longest word that doesn’t contain a vowel.
So now no one will ever tsktsk you for not knowing what euouae means.
You’re welcome.
