When a silent letter refuses to stay silent

@sol_cee (39072)
Philippines
June 25, 2026 7:58am CST
I was at a boutique store today buying a few things. After I paid, the cashier handed me my receipt and said, "Here's your receiPt." She pronounced the P at the end instead of saying it the usual way. At first, I thought it was just a slip, but she said it several times while serving the customers before me. Her manager (or at least someone who seemed to be supervising) was standing right beside her and didn't say anything. I'll admit, it started to grate on my ears a little. I almost corrected her, but then I stopped myself. It didn't seem like my place, especially in front of other people. Everyone mispronounces words from time to time, and I wouldn't want to embarrass someone. Still, I wondered afterward whether I should have said something, or if staying quiet was the right thing to do. Would you correct someone's pronunciation in a situation like this, or would you leave it alone?
9 people like this
8 responses
@LadyDuck (507453)
• Italy
25 Jun
The P is silent and she mispronounced for sure, but you were correct to say nothing.
2 people like this
@sol_cee (39072)
• Philippines
26 Jun
That's what I thought too. It crossed my mind to say something, but I figured it was better to keep quiet than risk embarrassing her
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (507453)
• Italy
26 Jun
@sol_cee - I remember the terrible pronunciation of one of our French friends, I always kept my mouth shut, but when he said that he could not understand why English people could not understand what he said I had to tell him something.
2 people like this
@sol_cee (39072)
• Philippines
26 Jun
@LadyDuck Haha, that's a bit different. If someone is wondering why people can't understand them, that's probably the right time to gently point it out. And I love listening to French. I could listen to it all day even if I don't understand a word of it
2 people like this
@Wrexxo (5211)
25 Jun
Nah..I wouldn't do that..so far I understand what she is referring to, them I'm good. I can correct you if we are close
2 people like this
@sol_cee (39072)
• Philippines
26 Jun
Yeah, I'd only correct someone if we knew each other well. And even then, sometimes friends can't take correction, can they?
2 people like this
@Wrexxo (5211)
26 Jun
@sol_cee you are right. Most times, I don't care about the error. Once I understand what they are trying to communicate, I'm fine.
@rsa101 (41673)
• Philippines
26 Jun
In her situation, it could feel awkward, especially if someone is watching her work. It might be better to bring it up when it’s just the two of you, so she won’t feel too embarrassed and can respond without anyone else around. Another option is to reply by clearly emphasizing the correct pronunciation of the word, which will indirectly let her know she mispronounced it without making her feel offended.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (39072)
• Philippines
26 Jun
Have you ever tried it, and did the person pick up on the hint?
@just4him (323054)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
26 Jun
You did the right thing. I wouldn't embarrass someone even when I know the correct pronounciation.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (39072)
• Philippines
26 Jun
That's what I thought too. It just didn't seem worth making her feel awkward
@JudyEv (386265)
• Rockingham, Australia
26 Jun
I'd leave it alone. As you say it's not really your place and it would probably embarrass her a lot. You probably wouldn't be thanked for it!
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (39072)
• Philippines
26 Jun
That's how I saw it too. Better to leave with my receipt than a debate about pronunciation
1 person likes this
@valherma00 (4960)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
28 Jun
it would bug me but i think i would leave it alone.
@snowy22315 (211457)
• United States
26 Jun
I would think it was comical, but I wouldn't say anything. It is up to her work if they want to correct her. What does it hurt?
@Jehanne (2477)
• Philippines
26 Jun
I stayed quiet too in a situation like that. But there was once I wasn't. I corrected my cousin when she mispronounced while she order a dessert. She mispronounced pudding as padding. I can't help it! Glad it didn't turn awkward since my cousin could really vibe with it. At the end, together with the service crew we laughed it off!