eternalknot Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 My sister and I were at the book store today, when we discovered that we each have a different way of pronouncing this author's name: Beatrix Potter. We spent ten minutes laughing about it at the store, and then polled the book clerk. He didn't know how the author pronounced it, but did side with my sister as far as his own personal preference. Now I'm wondering if I'm really wrong, or just a wee-bit wrong :D How do you pronounce the first syllable? Is it BAY? Is it BEE? Inquiring minds want to know ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meggie Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Is this the same sister you had the disagreement with about the floors and counters? ;) BEE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Bee!! (Right? Right? I can't imagine it bay, and would be amazed if that's how it's pronounced). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHowell Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 It's BEE. I only know because of the lady in Harry Potter. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Hmmm. I say Bee-uh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 Is this the same sister you had the disagreement with about the floors and counters? ;) BEE 'Tis! She's a huge pain in my butt :tongue_smilie: (or, as she'd correct: a pain in my huge butt LOL) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 Bee!! (Right? Right? I can't imagine it bay, and would be amazed if that's how it's pronounced). I know, right? That's what I thought, too. Once I heard her and the clerk's version, I could kind of see it ... especially when I imagined it with a more England-English accent, which my sister insisted it be said in, since the woman was English. Makes sense, I guess, but she'll forever be BEE-uh-trix in my mind. 1 million WTM'rs can't be wrong, right? Or even just 32 :D ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cin Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Hmmm. I say Bee-uh. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=beatrix%20potter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 It's BEE. I only know because of the lady in Harry Potter. :D Ooh! Neither of us have seen those, but our nephews and my son have! I'll have to ask the boys in front of her tomorrow LOL. But first I'll make her a bet that whatever they say will be our final vote :D! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=beatrix%20potter I was afraid to click; with good reason, I soon learned! He had that England-English accent, though. Maybe it's a regional thing? Maybe I'm just looking for a way to win this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
didadeewiththree Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 All I know, from going down the Phonics Road, is that /ea/ can say long e, ea like in bread or short e, or long a, such as in the word great. So Id say /ea/ like long e, but I guess it could make the a sound unless there is a rule stating otherwise that I cant think of. (I might have to break out my WRTR book) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 LOL You don't want to know how often I use that website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHowell Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I'm hearing bee uh tricks, with that link. That makes you right doesn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 (edited) I'm hearing bee uh tricks, with that link. That makes you right doesn't it? You did? I thought I did the first time, and as I broke out into my victory gloat my nephew hit it again. The second time I heard a slight BAY ... but maybe that was my head playing tricks on me. That happens more than I care to admit. Joanne: Totally bookmarked that site; love it, never knew it existed! ETA: I dunno, I'm still hearing a slight bay sound. My nephew won't weigh in, he's sitting there shaking his head at me. Brat LOL. Edited March 3, 2012 by eternalknot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chepyl Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Hmmm. I say Bee-uh. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 (edited) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MsInI1jjg8 I've heard the name pronounced many times, and only as BEE. You should just watch Miss Potter with her, and let the movie prove her wrong. Good movie, too! Edited March 3, 2012 by WordGirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHowell Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 You did? I thought I did the first time, and as I broke out into my victory gloat my nephew hit it again. The second time I heard a slight BAY ... but maybe that was my head playing tricks on me. That happens more than I care to admit. Joanne: Totally bookmarked that site; love it, never knew it existed! I totally am. DH says it's BEE too, once again because of the Harry Potter reference. If the boys watched the movies, my bet would be that they say BEE, even if that's not correct, because that's what you hear in the movie and they most likely don't have any other reference for the name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 The howjsay link and youtube link both have BEE a tricks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MsInI1jjg8 Okay :D that's a clear BEE sound. And how much more valid can it get, than coming from a "WordGirl"?! I totally love Helena Bonham Carter - so quirky, so under-rated as an actress. I'm going to look for that movie now! Between that and the pronounciation website, this disagreement with my sister is proving to be pretty beneficial in the long run. Sure as Sam wasn't the case with the countertop/flooring disagreement. Which she won. Turkey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I think the American English way to say it is Bee-ah-trix. 3 clear syllables. British English is Bay-ah-trix (with the ah syllable so fast behind the bay that they are almost one syllable). More like baya-trix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 Sweet. I love you folks! I just emailed her those links. I know she got 'em, I heard her phone ding in the other room. Now I just wait for her exasperated sigh and monster foot stomping out here into the living room ::evil grin::. Signed, Needs a Life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 I think the American English way to say it is Bee-ah-trix. 3 clear syllables. British English is Bay-ah-trix (with the ah syllable so fast behind the bay that they are almost one syllable). More like baya-trix That (The British English) is how I heard it in Joanne's link - sort of runned together, but definitely "bay". I see my sister's reasoning that she'd pronounce it that way, because of the author's background. It had just never before occured to me that there was a pronounciation other than the only one I've ever heard. Next thing you know they'll be sayin' the world isn't flat :blush: LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 It's BEE. I only know because of the lady in Harry Potter. :D How would that help? Her name was Bellatrix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy2BeautifulGirls Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I had to try to be cute and voted for the 3rd option! :P :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy2BeautifulGirls Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 How would that help? Her name was Bellatrix. :iagree: That's what I was thinking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetobehome Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Hmmm. I say Bee-uh. Yes, Bee-a-trix Potter! Like Beatrice except with an x on the end! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Yes, Bee-a-trix Potter! Like Beatrice except with an x on the end! :iagree: That's how I've always said it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetobehome Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Drives me NUTS when I hear someone call her BEATRICE POTTER. There's definitely an 'x' there on the end! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I say bee-ay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHowell Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 How would that help? Her name was Bellatrix. Man, huge fail for me! Guess I am not helpful at all! :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grover Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 bear-a-trix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I say bee-ay Uh-oh. Now we need a vote for the second syllable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyBC Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 (edited) When we watched The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends starring Niamh Cusack, I'm quite sure it was pronounced Bee-uh-trix. So there, lol. :001_tt2: Edited March 3, 2012 by KathyBC Correcting typing of pronunciation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Bee-uh-trix. Laura (Brit) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 British English is Bay-ah-trix (with the ah syllable so fast behind the bay that they are almost one syllable). More like baya-trix Nor how I've heard it pronounced. I know one person who pronounces her own name like that, but she has an accent on the 'e'. Laura (Brit) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 So, how did SHE say it? (I'm with the Bee people.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceman Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Hmmm. I say Bee-uh. Me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ester Maria Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Bee-uh-trix. Except when I mess up the last syllabe and make it "tris", because it is sooo tempting. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trilliums Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Listen to the howjsay of JUST Beatrix and it definitely sounds like a BEE to me. When he pronounced the entire name, Beatrix Potter, I hear a slight Beah sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I have always heard it Bee-uh-trix. How would that help? Her name was Bellatrix. That is what I was thinking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tohru Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 'Tis! She's a huge pain in my butt :tongue_smilie: (or, as she'd correct: a pain in my huge butt LOL) :lol: I had taken a sip of coffee before reading that! Thank goodness it was cold for I had snorted trying to refraining from spitting the coffee everywhere. Hmmm. I say Bee-uh. :iagree: Voted BEE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I say "bee" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Innocent Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 (edited) Bee-uh-trix. Laura (Brit) See, I would personally pronounce her name Beer-trix (not Bee-trix), two syllables. Emma (Another Brit) x Edited March 3, 2012 by Miss Innocent Edited for clarity! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 (edited) See, I would personally pronounce her name Beer-trix (not Bee-trix), two syllables. Emma (Another Brit) x The thing is that I pronounce 'beer' as 'bee-uh'. It's somewhere between one and two syllables - you could make it either. And I could make 'Beatrix' into two or three syllables too. I'm from Bristol, if it helps. 'Do you want a beer?' (beer tends to be two syllables) 'I'll have a beer please.' (beer tends to be one syllable) Laura Edited March 3, 2012 by Laura Corin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nertsmommy Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Actually, there was a Beatrix Bloxam in the wizarding world. http://www.hp-lexicon.org/wizards/a-z/b.html :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Innocent Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 The thing is that I pronounce 'beer' as 'bee-uh'. It's somewhere between one and two syllables - you could make it either. And I could make 'Beatrix' into two or three syllables too. I'm from Bristol, if it helps. 'Do you want a beer?' (beer tends to be two syllables) 'I'll have a beer please.' (beer tends to be one syllable) Laura I completely agree with you! I think Beatrix Potter could easily be two or three syllables too, but with the first syllable or two being more like Beer-trix (one or two syllables) than Bee-uh-trix. But I think I am splitting hairs here! :D And, yes, sometimes the name is pronounced Baya-trix, but not in Miss Potter's case, IMO. Emma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Hmmm. I say Bee-uh. :iagree:Yep, this. Bee-uh-trix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khselee Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 At the Beatrix Potter museum, it's pronounced Bee-uh-trix, with an emphasis on the first syllable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Hmmm. I say Bee-uh. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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