Pronunciation of letter Z

Question

Hi, I'm just wondering if you know where the US pronunciation of the letter Z - Zee originated.It almost sounds like something a childs songwriter invented so it would rhyme. Any ideas appreciated.

Philip · Accepted Answer

I have no idea.  Your thought about rhyming in a children's song certainly rings true to some extent, as our kids do have a little jingle that would make 'zed' sound rather odd.  I'll be watching to see what others come up with.

Khoff · Answer

I would think that it just developed in parallel to bee dee, ee, gee, tee, and so on.  Why "zed"???  The names of consonants are generally the consonant sound either preceeded or followed by a vowel sound -- but I can't think of any consonant names (other than "zed") that require getting another consonant involved.

Yankee · Answer

khoffbut I can't think of any consonant names (other than "zed") that require getting another consonant involved.

"Dubya" has a couple of consonant sounds.

EDIT:
There is a little write-up about the pronunciation of the letter "Z" here:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1632/why-do-the-british-pronounced-the-letter-z-zed

Khoff · Answer

Yes, you're right -- but that's because instead of giving any hint of the pronunciation of the letter, the name of W just describes its appearance -- "double U" (or "double V" in French).  I suppose it would be more consistent for W to be called "wee."

Philip · Answer

khoff I suppose it would be more consistent for W to be called "wee."

Puh-leez!

Yankee · Answer

khoffI suppose it would be more consistent for W to be called "wee."

Or we could adopt Nintendo's "wii".

Pronunciation of letter Z

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