Is 'funnier' a word? And other linguistic debates

The English language is full of surprises, and even native speakers sometimes find themselves questioning the legitimacy of certain words. In this article, we'll explore the curious case of 'funnier' and other words that often spark debate about their status in the English lexicon.

The Case of 'Funnier'

Is 'funnier' really a word?

Yes, 'funnier' is indeed a legitimate word in the English language. It's the comparative form of the adjective 'funny,' following the standard pattern for forming comparatives:

• Funny (positive)
• Funnier (comparative)
• Funniest (superlative)

Despite its regularity, 'funnier' often raises eyebrows. This might be because 'funny' already seems like a complete concept - how can something be 'more funny'? However, this comparative form allows us to make direct comparisons: "This joke is funnier than that one."

Other Debated Words

Here are some other words that can go every which way.

'Irregardless'

One of the most hotly debated words in English, 'irregardless' is often dismissed as improper. However, it has been in use since the early 20th century and is included in many dictionaries. While it's generally considered non-standard, its widespread use has given it a place in descriptive linguistics.

'Ain't'

Once considered purely colloquial or incorrect, 'ain't' has a long history in English dialects. While still informal, it's recognized by dictionaries and has been used by respected authors in dialogue to represent certain speech patterns.

'Impactful'

A relatively new word, 'impactful' often faces criticism for being corporate jargon. However, it fills a linguistic need to describe something that has a significant impact, and its use has become increasingly accepted.

'Ginormous'

This blend of 'gigantic' and 'enormous' was once considered slang but has gained enough traction to be included in many dictionaries. It's an example of how colloquialisms can become standard language over time.

Commonly Misunderstood Words

Oh, and....

'Literally'

The use of 'literally' to mean 'figuratively' is a common point of contention. While traditionalists insist on its original meaning, this figurative usage has become so common that many dictionaries now include it as a secondary definition.

'Nonplussed'

In American English, 'nonplussed' is often used to mean 'unfazed,' but its traditional definition is actually the opposite - to be bewildered or at a loss. This is an example of how word meanings can shift over time and vary between dialects.

'Peruse'

Many people use 'peruse' to mean 'skim' or 'glance over,' but its original definition is actually 'to read thoroughly.' This is a case where common usage has almost completely flipped a word's meaning.

The Evolution of Language

These debates highlight the dynamic nature of language. English, like all living languages, is constantly evolving. Words that were once considered incorrect or slang can become standard over time, while established words may shift in meaning.

The Role of Dictionaries

Dictionaries play a crucial role in these debates, but their purpose has shifted over time. Once seen as prescriptive (dictating correct usage), many modern dictionaries take a more descriptive approach, documenting how language is actually used rather than how it 'should' be used.

Words Words Words

So, is 'funnier' a word? Absolutely. And while debates about words like 'irregardless' or 'impactful' may continue, they serve as reminders of the fluid nature of language. Rather than rigid rules, perhaps it's better to think of language as a set of conventions that can change over time.

The next time you find yourself questioning whether a word is 'real' or not, remember: if it's widely used and understood, it's playing a role in our language, regardless of its official status. After all, every standard word we use today was once a new, debated addition to our linguistic repertoire.