Saturday, August 11, 2012

cache/cachet: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, August 11, 2012

cache/cachet
“Cache” comes from the French verb cacher, meaning “to hide,” and in English is pronounced exactly like the word “cash.” But reporters speaking of a cache (hidden hoard) of weapons or drugs often mispronounce it to sound like cachet—“ca-SHAY” —a word with a very different meaning: originally a seal affixed to a document, now a quality attributed to anything with authority or prestige. Rolex watches have cachet.

__________
Paul Brians' links to Candorville's take on "cache/cachet" in his latest blog post.

No comments:

Post a Comment