The "n" in "restaurateur" vanished due to a simplification of the French language over time. Originally spelled "restauranteur," the word derived from the French verb "restaurer" (to restore). The noun form, referring to someone who restores, was formed by adding "-ateur." The intrusive "n," present in older spellings, was likely influenced by the word "restaurant," but etymologically incorrect and eventually dropped, leaving the modern spelling "restaurateur."
The intriguing disappearance of the 'n' from the word "restaurateur," as explored in the Culinary Institute of America's blog post, is a fascinating journey through linguistic evolution and culinary history. The term, derived from the French verb "restaurer" meaning "to restore," originally referred to a rich, concentrated broth, a "restaurant," believed to possess restorative properties for the weary and unwell. Vendors of this revitalizing concoction were known as "restaurateurs," a title reflecting their role in providing sustenance and rejuvenation.
As culinary practices evolved, the focus shifted from the restorative broth to the establishments serving a variety of dishes. These establishments, borrowing the name of the invigorating bouillon, became known as "restaurants." Simultaneously, the individuals managing and operating these burgeoning culinary venues retained their title as "restaurateurs," overseeing not only the provision of food but also the overall dining experience.
The orthographic shift from "restaurateur" to "restauranteur," though seemingly minor, presents a linguistic puzzle. The blog post hypothesizes that this alteration may be attributed to the influence of the Spanish word "restaurante," itself derived from the French term. The 'n' before the 't' in "restaurante" may have subtly influenced the English spelling, potentially due to increased exposure to Spanish language and culture, leading to a gradual adoption of the 'n'-less spelling. The prevalence of "restauranteur" in American English, as noted in the post, further underscores this potential Spanish linguistic influence.
While the exact reasons for the shift remain somewhat speculative, the blog post effectively illuminates the historical connection between the restorative broth, the establishments serving food, and the individuals at the helm of these culinary enterprises. The evolution of the word "restaurateur" reflects a broader transformation in dining culture, from a focus on medicinal broths to the diverse and complex culinary landscape we know today. The continued use of "restaurateur," albeit with variations in spelling, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of this culinary profession.
Summary of Comments ( 39 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43163466
HN commenters largely agree that the "n" pronunciation in "restaurateur" is disappearing, attributing it to simplification and the influence of American English. Some suggest it's a natural language evolution, pointing out other words with silent or changed pronunciations over time. A few users argue the "n" should be pronounced, citing etymology and personal preference. One commenter notes the pronunciation might signal class or pretension. Several simply express surprise or newfound awareness of the shift. There's a brief tangential discussion on spelling pronunciations in general and the role of dictionaries in documenting vs. prescribing usage.
The Hacker News post "What Happened to the N in Restaurateur?" with the ID 43163466 has generated several comments discussing the etymology and pronunciation of the word "restaurateur."
Several commenters delve into the linguistic history of the word, tracing its French origins and evolution. One points out that the word comes from the French verb "restaurer," meaning "to restore," and that the "n" is preserved in the present participle "restaurant," used as a noun to refer to the establishment. This commenter also notes the connection to the restorative properties of rich broths historically served in such establishments.
Another commenter discusses the pronunciation, noting that the "n" is often dropped or nasalized in modern French pronunciation, which might contribute to the confusion about its presence in the spelling. This comment sparks further discussion about the subtleties of French pronunciation and its influence on English.
The pronunciation theme continues with another user mentioning that the "n" is pronounced when the word "restaurateur" is spoken by French people, although the vowel sound before it is nasal. This commenter contrasts this with the English pronunciation where the "n" tends to disappear entirely.
One commenter offers a concise and humorous explanation: "The 'n' went to the same place as the 's' in 'island'." This highlights the seemingly arbitrary nature of English spelling and pronunciation.
A couple of commenters share anecdotal experiences of encountering misspellings of the word, particularly the omission of the "n." This suggests that the confusion about the word's spelling is fairly common.
Finally, a commenter references Noah Webster's attempts to simplify American English spelling, implying that perhaps "restaurateur" was a target but ultimately resisted simplification. This ties the discussion back to the broader history of English language evolution.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post explore the linguistic history of "restaurateur," the evolution of its pronunciation in both French and English, and the common confusion surrounding its spelling. The discussion offers a blend of linguistic analysis, anecdotal observations, and humorous comparisons.