r/PeterExplainsTheJoke 4d ago

Meme needing explanation Petah??

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u/bleu_waffl3s 4d ago

Makes me wonder if herb starts with a vowel since the h is silent

u/dj-megafresh 4d ago

Herb's American pronunciation actually does start with a consonant, the glottal stop. All English words that begin with vowel sounds have that hidden consonant that we don't even recognize until it's pointed out to us because it's so innate. Say the word "apple" and feel how there's a puff of air on the A sound. That's the glottal stop.

u/Lewa358 3d ago

Some people don't pronounce the "h" in "herb"

u/dj-megafresh 3d ago

Yes, the H is a UK/NZ/Australia thing. I was specifically referring to the American pronunciation.