The five rules of spelling mmhmm:
1. Mmhmm is spelled with two ms on either side of an h; it is a rolling landscape of hills with a tone-changing antenna in the middle; a flock of birds flying in V formation with the long-beaked leader in the center. Its value in Scrabble would be a solid 16, but you wouldn’t have enough M tiles to spell it completely.
2. Mmhmm has no vowels because you shouldn’t have to open your mouth when agreeing with someone.
3. Mmhmm is a palindrome because palindromes are superior to non-palindromes.
4. "Mhm" is also a palindrome but this abbreviated spelling should be used only when short on time (and never when referring to your favorite video presentation tool) since it’s more like a curt ✅ than an enthusiastic affirmative.
5. Technically, Merriam-Webster spells mmhmm with a dash between the 2nd m and the h (mm-hmm). However, nobody texts like that. Do you even know where the dash is on your phone’s keyboard?
As a linguistics enthusiast with a passion for language intricacies and a firm grasp of phonetics, orthography, and the whimsical world of words, I'm here to delve into the delightful details of the article you've provided about the five rules of spelling "mmhmm." My extensive knowledge in linguistics and language structure enables me to navigate through the linguistic landscape with precision.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Spelling of "mmhmm": The article emphasizes that "mmhmm" is spelled with two 'm's on either side of an 'h.' This description paints a vivid image of a rolling landscape of hills, forming a pattern akin to a flock of birds flying in a V formation. The inclusion of a tone-changing antenna in the middle adds a touch of whimsy to the spelling. It is also noted that the value of "mmhmm" in Scrabble would be 16, but it humorously suggests that you might not have enough 'M' tiles to spell it completely.
-
No Vowels for Agreement: The article humorously suggests that "mmhmm" has no vowels because you shouldn't have to open your mouth when agreeing with someone. This concept plays on the idea of non-verbal agreement and adds a playful twist to the spelling.
-
Palindrome Superiority: "Mmhmm" is described as a palindrome, and the article humorously asserts that palindromes are superior to non-palindromes. This linguistic playfulness adds a touch of wit and an appreciation for the symmetrical nature of the word.
-
"Mhm" as an Abbreviated Palindrome: The article introduces "Mhm" as an abbreviated form of agreement, which is also a palindrome. However, it suggests using this abbreviation only when short on time. The comparison to a curt checkmark (✅) adds a visual element to the description, contrasting it with the more enthusiastic affirmative "mmhmm."
-
Merriam-Webster's Spelling with a Dash: Technically, Merriam-Webster spells "mmhmm" with a dash between the second 'm' and the 'h' (mm-hmm). The article playfully questions the practicality of using a dash in a text message and challenges the reader's knowledge of their phone's keyboard layout.
In summary, the article humorously weaves together linguistic concepts, phonetic imagery, and playful commentary to explore the spelling and nuances of "mmhmm." It showcases a creative and whimsical approach to language, blending expert knowledge with a lighthearted tone.
