H

[MsScarlett]

I get annoyed by people on TV constantly pronouncing it, "Haitch", as in "ITV2 haitch dee", for instance.

My dp says it is due to some culprits having regional accents and therefore it is said differently, but IMO it is meant to be pronounced "aitch" - accent or no accent.

Am I right?

No, you're not right, it is regional in origin, though I think it's spread beyond its natural boundaries (Ireland I think?).

I don't happen to like it much, but I don't think it signifies the decline of western civilisation.

Not that you said it did, but people do get very worked up about it.

Someone said to me 'There's no H in aitch!'

Aha! Quite right, thought I...

...but how doe you spell it?

There is an 'h' in aitch. Just the one though.

Yes I realise that - that's why it's funny

Not this again!

Er yes, 40+, I was acknowledging the joke (sigh).

Sorry seasalt! Have only just found pedants' corner so didn't realise it had been done. Though I can see why it comes up a lot.

Aitch, although in Derbyshire it seems to be haitch, which makes me twitch.

Apparently it's only acceptable in Northern Ireland.