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."
UK Data Explorer created an interactive map showcasing common words across Europe in over 30 languages. Users can select a word from a list (e.g., "bread," "beer," "house") and see its translation displayed on the map, color-coded by linguistic similarity. The map highlights the diversity and evolution of languages across the continent, revealing interesting etymological relationships and regional variations. It serves as a visual tool for exploring language families and how words have spread and changed over time.
Hacker News users discussed the methodology and potential issues of the European word translator map. Several commenters pointed out inaccuracies and oversimplifications in the data, particularly regarding dialects and false cognates. Some suggested improvements, like including IPA transcriptions to show pronunciation differences and adding more granular detail to regional variations. The map's visualization choices, such as using size to represent speaker numbers, also drew criticism for being potentially misleading. Others praised the project's overall concept and educational value, acknowledging its limitations while still finding it an interesting tool. There was also discussion about the difficulties of representing linguistic data visually and the complexities of European language families.
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.