Saturday, May 4, 2013

bologna/baloney: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, May 4, 2013

bologna/baloney
“Bologna” is the name of a city in Italy, pronounced “boh-LOAN-ya.” But although in English the sausage named after the city is spelled the same, it is pronounced “buh-LOAN-ee” and is often spelled “baloney.” Either spelling is acceptable for the sliced meat product.

Then there is the expression “a bunch of baloney.” “Baloney” in this case probably originated as a euphemism for “BS.” When it means “nonsense,” the standard spelling is “baloney.” People who write “bunch of bologna” are making a pun or are just being pretentious.


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For a meaty discussion of this word, Ben Zimmer gives us the history.

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