Pronouncing Ralph

[sigma]

When and why did the name Ralph start to be pronounced Rayff.

[jno]

it always was; it's "ralf" that's comparatively new

http://alt-usage-engl...xcerpts/fxwordsw.html

[zebo]

In a similar vein, when did homage become "homarge", I'm sure it's not simply an accent thing.

[jno]

when it's hommage: the French word is used slightly differently from the English one

[zebo]

What's the difference Jno, when I've heard it used, it's been in the same way, eg to pay homage to someone?

[boxtops]

Homage, with the sound of 2 m's, is English. L'homage - homarge - is French.

[jno]

hommage is mostly used in artistic contexts - a mystery thriller full of blondes might be a hommage to Hitchock, a self-portrait with a bandaged ear might be a hommage to Van Gogh. Homage is mostly used in the phrase paying homage, as you say.

[baza]

is it like bucket and bookay, depends on where you were dragged up I suppose

[jno]

having said that... some people either don't know the difference, or just like to sound French.

[Goodsoulette]

I know some Douches, they say its pronounce like ouch but with a D on the front. My face always lit up with glee when I had an excuse to call them MR or MRs Douche though.

[kristalsen30]

i heard the name in a movie, it was hilarious though but not smart.