# Is the US pronunciation of "solder" unique to the US ? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 9, 2014, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997 "2014-09-09T19:12:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/81 "2014-09-11T17:21:51Z")
> [@Mijin](#): > > But a “soddering iron” still sounds painful If you grab it by the hot end, it most certainly is, no matter how you pronounce it. Or the torrents of swearing that inevitably follow. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/82 "2014-09-11T18:01:49Z")
Texican American here, Audio guy so I have done my fair share of soldering. This thread has given me pause, I always assumed that I was pronouncing the “L” but softly. Curiosity got me and I called a partner in crime. “Sodder” it is, for the both of us. Curiously, the two Brits that I have been touring with, on and off, for the past four years, have never pointed this out. They quite enjoy making fun of me wrt to Americanisms, pronunciation, spelling and especially when my Texican accent peeks through. They should have been all over this. Our discussions on the “er” vs. “re” as in center/centre, have been illuminating. **Capt** ---
**Author:** ![Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellis_Aponte_Jr)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/83 "2014-09-11T19:47:03Z")
> [@Shakester](#): > > I’m still amused by Americans pronouncing “puma” as “poomer” - once I got over my bewilderment over what the heck a “poomer” is. You would think that one would defer to the country that actually has pumas. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/84 "2014-09-12T02:38:35Z")
> [@Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](#): > > You would think that one would defer to the country that actually has pumas. In the MST3K presentation of The Pumaman they made fun of Donald Pleasance for pronouncing it Pyoo-ma. “I say put it on, you say pyoot it on.” ---
**Author:** ![Snupzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/54ee81/32.png) [@Snupzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snupzilla)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/85 "2014-09-12T03:04:21Z")
> [@Bones\_Daley](#): > > If anybody could explain WHY Americans don’t pronounce the “l” in solder, well, that would be a bonus … Because the English in England at the time the American colonies were populated had lost the L centuries before. The L was added back to the spelling to bring it line with its Latin roots and eventually pronounced as such, maybe because it sounded dirty as “Sodder”. It’s probably pretty similar to how we in the US sometimes bring back the T in “often” for some reason long after it was lost. [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/souder#Middle\_English](http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/souder#Middle_English) ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/86 "2014-09-12T17:50:23Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > No, but I’ve heard fellow Americans state they have “hurt my show-der”. I’m one of them. I pronounce the l if I think about it, because I know it’s wrong, but often drop it. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/87 "2014-09-12T21:38:04Z")
The first mechanic I ever heard talk about a solenoid called it a “cell-anoid”, but that might have just been a local or a personal idiosyncrasy. ---
**Author:** ![Pjen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2014, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/88 "2014-09-13T13:27:20Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > How did you solder things in the [14th century](http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=solder)? 😕 My father taught me to solder in the fifties. We used what was like a long screwdriver with a heavy three dimensional metal tip about an inch long and half an inch in diameter narrowing down to a point. This was continually reheated on a gas range and then used to melt the solder a flux applied separately. All available via a blacksmith’s fire in the 14th century and before. No electricity necessary. ---
**Author:** ![wombattver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b77776/32.png) [@wombattver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wombattver)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2014, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/89 "2014-09-13T14:39:07Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Since this got missed, in the UK the element is called “aluminium.” It has five syllables and is pronounced like al-YOO-min-i-um. In Australia, it is al-ooh-MIN-ee-um with the accent on MIN and spelled “aluminium.” This is an unusual word since it is not just a difference in pronunciation, but is actually spelled differently as well. It is said the way it is spelled in that particular country. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2014, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/90 "2014-09-15T00:40:40Z")
> [@Pjen](#): > > My father taught me to solder in the fifties. We used what was like a long screwdriver with a heavy three dimensional metal tip about an inch long and half an inch in diameter narrowing down to a point. This was continually reheated on a gas range and then used to melt the solder a flux applied separately. > > All available via a blacksmith’s fire in the 14th century and before. No electricity necessary. In the 80’s, plumbers here still knew how to use a propane torch to heat a soldering iron. Don’t know what they do now (apart from using a lot more plastic). The propane torch replaced the “blow torch”, running on petrol/gasoline/white spirits. I see that the term “blow torch” is still used in some places, but now for a propane/lpg/whatever torch. Plumbers were notoriously a source of house fires. You’d get the plumber in, he’d put his torch down unattended, next thing the whole house is gone. Still a problem with propane torches, but an even bigger problem with a blow torch, because they were much harder to start, and spilled burning fire if knocked over. My rusty old blow torch actually has a soldering iron fitting: it was standard. I’ve never seen a fitting for a propane torch: the plumber I knew used a soldering iron like that described by Pjen to join roofing iron. ---
**Author:** ![UDS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecae2f/32.png) [@UDS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UDS)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/92 "2014-09-16T08:36:09Z")
> [@murray42](#): > > I was impressed when I saw that the Americans spelled “colour” without the “u”. I thought that “color” was an improvement, a more economic spelling! Also, “program” instead of “programme”. But then, if they want to economize on “l’s”, why not change the spelling of solder to “sodder”? Because of the ruinous expense of all the extra “d’s” required. ---
**Author:** ![UDS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecae2f/32.png) [@UDS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UDS)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/93 "2014-09-16T08:44:56Z")
Less facetiously, it used to be spelt without an ‘l’ in English - it came in from French with no ‘l’. But the ‘l’ was restored some time around the sixteenth century, in recognition of the fact that the ultimate Latin root, _solidare_ does contain an ‘l’ (which the French dropped before handing the word on to the English). And since the Latin word does mean “to make solid”, the ‘l’ does serve a useful function in reminding us of what “solder” means, and where it comes from. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/94 "2014-09-16T13:26:27Z")
> [@murray42](#): > > What puzzles me about American pronunciations: Why do they (many of them) go out of their way to pronounce the “h” in vehicle. We don’t do that in South Africa. Also, not in England. trend setting southerns. ---
**Author:** ![rden](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bc8723/32.png) [@rden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rden)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2015, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/95 "2015-05-10T18:28:24Z")
As an electronics enthusiast (from Asia) who’s reasonably well traveled and listened to a lot of overseas speakers most English Commonwealth [including former] countries follow the current British pronunciation (vocalised “l”) - the Brits pretty much told the commonwealth countries how to run everything - including their education. But what about (aboot) Canada you may ask? As somebody else mentioned before USA got out the Commonwealth a long time ago so they broke off with the older variants of English words and went their own way. As US pretty much buys everything it’s neighbors produce (Canada, Mexico and others nearby) those countries also fell in with USA language - keep the customer happy 101: speak their language. Most non-English first countries, (accents aside), also generally follow British pronunciations (solder with the vocalised “l”), 1800’s - 1900’s the “British Empire” was big on international trade everywhere even beyond the Commonwealth (i.e. Europe, Asia, Africa), while back the the US still hadn’t made it’s big entrance onto the world stage (basically all time before WW 2). USA is bigger now, but when it came to defining the way the world works they were late to the party (still trying - too hard, but ship has sailed, very few nations bother to listen to USA’s ideas on how countries should be run). They did win a few, (some that USA dominate[d]) have picked up USA style language, small parts of Vietnam, Haiti, Guam, some Caribbean countries, surprisingly Cuba - but really not many. Strangest variant Australia - which is actually changing; “sol-dah” - (strong “l” pronounced) used to totally dominate, but in the last 10 years that has started to change; “sod-der” (no “l” sound) is taking over. Aus (selling it’s political soul to USA, and) with no deep culture of its own (having almost totally destroyed indigenous culture and now selling the native’s real estate to the Chinese - but that’s another topic) are becoming the next most Americanized country after Canada. _Actually been a really good thing for Aus, as late as just 10 years ago Asians could barely understand Aussies (USA, UK, even string Scots accent, New Zealands, South Africans, everyone except Aussies could understand) - way too many skipped syllables, completely mangled vowel sounds (they completely swapped some vowels, notably as short “i” and e" - sorry to say pronouncing 6 as “sex” worst mistake ever in Asia - and usually still not considered funny even when Aussie bad accent explained), also penchant to shortening / modifying peoples names also often offensive to Asians and too many seemingly made up words. Today, getting to more USA like accents, proper word choices and communication manners - all so much more Americanized (everyone understands American language thanks to Hollywood), people here can finally understand what they are saying (but with Aussie getting more pro USA politics still less trusted)._ ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2015, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/96 "2015-05-10T19:02:53Z")
Western Canada: Two weeks ago I would have answered “sodder.” But I was with a friend when he was using his soldering iron, and he pronounced it sol-der. I thought of gathering the neighbours so we could all point and laugh at him, but he was fixing the block-heater cord on _my_ car, so I didn’t. And he didn’t laugh at me for having backed out without unplugging the damn thing six weeks before. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2015, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/97 "2015-05-10T20:13:11Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > Same with Beta > > UK Bee’ta testing. Ewwww…my hears hurt! ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2015, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/98 "2015-05-10T20:16:03Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > The first mechanic I ever heard talk about a solenoid called it a “cell-anoid”, but that might have just been a local or a personal idiosyncrasy. I hear it pronounced “cell-” or “cill-” about 50% of the time. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2015, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/99 "2015-05-10T23:37:46Z")
Why don’t you pronounce the b in debt? Well, the borrowed French word was and is dette, pronounced pretty much like debt and some a-hole added the b because the Latin root had it. I suspect that the borrowed word from French was something like sodder (current French soudure) and the same a-hole added the l because the Latin source had it. Then some people decided to pronounce it, while others didn’t. Just my WAG. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2015, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/100 "2015-05-11T13:41:52Z")
> [@rden](#): > > But what about (aboot) Canada you may ask? As somebody else mentioned before USA got out the Commonwealth a long time ago so they broke off with the older variants of English words and went their own way. As US pretty much buys everything it’s neighbors produce (Canada, Mexico and others nearby) those countries also fell in with USA language - keep the customer happy 101: speak their language. That’s really not how it works. ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2015, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997/101 "2015-05-11T14:03:24Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > Same with Beta > > US: Baa’ta testing > UK Bee’ta testing. NYC/NJ/Philadelphia: Bay’da testing. I think my “bay” is what you meant by “baa”, since I’ve never heard an American say “beta” with the sound a sheep makes. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-pronunciation-of-solder-unique-to-the-us/697997.md?page=6)