So how did this etymological nuisance come about? The origins are truly ancient. Back when the English language was still developing, we didn't have a formal English alphabet. We used Latin letters, as we do today. The process of transforming letters from one language to another is what gave us the infamous GH. Let's inspect further.
When used in ancient English, the GH combo did stand for one specific sound we simply don't use today. Some of us can't even pronounce it right. It is something much like a Dutch pronunciation of words like licht (light), nacht (night), acht (eight), or loch (lake). It's a guttural sound produced at the back of the mouth, almost in the throat.
While this sound was widely used in ancient English words, Latin speakers did not use it at all. So naturally, there was no letter in the Latin alphabet to signal this sound! What did our ancient forefathers do to make up for this missing letter? They either used the Latin letter H or the letter 'yogh' used in Older Scots. During the Medieval Era, they settled on GH. The letter 'yogh' is the modern-day equivalent of Y. So this may explain why sometimes the GH combo is pronounced as Y. But where did that F come from?
By the Medieval Era, English pronunciation was already changing. We were transitioning from Middle English to Modern English in a process now called The Great Vowel Shift. Language is an ever-changing thing, and if you've ever talked to a teenager, you probably witnessed it with your own ears. During the Great Vowel Shift, English stopped being a phonetic language (where you say it as you read it) and the changes in pronunciation were vast and rapid (just a few centuries). The transition from a guttural, ancient sound, to the softened F pronunciation, has a lot to do with anatomy. Let professor Mark Sundaram explain:
H/T: MentalFloss
Why Do the Days of the Week Have Such Strange Names?
Why do the days of the week have names? Who are they named after?
Do You Know What Speakers of Old English Called a Snake?
Kennings are a unique feature of English that goes all the way back to old Anglo Saxon epics and poems.
13 Funny Palindromes That Will Make You Giggle
People have been enjoying palindromes for centuries - here are 13 funny examples that are sure to make crack you up.
Where Did Famous Tongue-Twisters Come From?
Many traditional tongue twisters have long histories full of unexpected twists and turns - not unlike the acrobatics our tongue goes through as we pronounce them.
English Vocab History: Few Can Pass This Vocabulary Quiz?
These 14 words have really strayed away from their original meaning, can you guess what words like 'girl' and 'clue' used to mean?
The Extraordinary Origins of 10 Common English Words
In this article, we uncover the extraordinary etymology of 10 common English words, including ‘daisy’, ‘eavesdropper’, and ‘vaccine’.
20 Astounding Facts That Will Skew Your Perception of Time
These 20 mind-bending facts will show you just how warped your perception of time really is. Enjoy!
Amazing! 7 Facts That Have Changed Since Your School Days!
Over time, facts we consider to be completely true can change. Here are 7 facts that have changed since your school days.
7 Fairy Tales That Are Popular to This Very Day!
The best fairy tales are those that are timeless and yet forever modern, tapping into our wildly shared emotions and moral attitudes. Here are 7 of the best!
Good News Alert! 11 Positive Things You Need to Know About
If you look for good news, you’ll always find it. Here are some wonderful things happening around us right now.
12 Beautiful Quotes that'll Make You Smile and Grin
If you want a smile, you've reached the right place...
The Slightly Bizarre Club of Hair for Men!
Meet the largest community of men dedicated to growing and celebrating their beards and mustaches, all gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend the 2012 National Beard and Mustache Championships! You have never seen so much epic, amazing and downrigh
20 Things Most People Think Are the Same, But Aren't!
These words are often mistaken for synonyms, but in reality they are nothing of the sort, because they refer to different things. Learn about 20 of them.,
What People Need When the End Is Nigh: A Profound Talk
BJ Miller is a palliative care physician with some amazing insights. Discussing what happens to our thoughts as we pass away, he shares some profound thoughts.
7 Mythical Characters Who Actually Existed
Did you know that there are some characters from mythology that might have existed in real life? Let's find out about some of them.
INTERACTIVE: 12 Fascinating Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte
Whether you're a history aficionado or a curious learner, these insights offer a unique glimpse into the man behind the legend of Napoleon.
Did You Know How Incredible You Were in Your Youngest Days?
Your baby self was incredible! Here are some facts to back this statement up...
Be Prepared! These Facts About the World Are Pretty Scary
These facts are incredibly fascinating... but they've got an element of spookiness to them too!
Printing a New Leg for Buttercup - Lovely!
Buttercup the goose was born with a foot that was turned the wrong way...
These Bizarre Weapons Were Invented During World War II
The Second World War saw the use of many jaw-dropping weapons. Many others, however, were considered flops.
Travel Back in Time With These Rare Moments From History...
Some photos date as far back as to the early 20th Century, with a few prototype designs that would eventually pave the way for the technology we use today. Take a stroll down memory lane with these Rare moments.
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
These Naval Battles Changed the Course of History
History has been witness to some momentous naval battles. Here is a look at some of the greatest.
Watch a Thai Chiropractor Fixing a Spine With a Hammer!
Thailand is a country that's known for specializing in many different kinds of massages, but would you dare be massaged by a man wielding a hammer?
Wow! I Had No Idea That Whales Could Show Gratitude!
One whale was so grateful for the man who saved his life, he showed his appreciation - by dancing!
Wrapping Up the Major Events of 2022 in a 7-Minute Video
Another year has come to an end. Vox has edited 2022 in its entirety into a 7-minute video. Let's take a look.
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
Learn All About Herodotus, the Father of History
Learn all about Herodotus, and how he came to be known as the 'Father of History' in this informative video.
Your Mind Does Play Tricks On You, Say Neuroscientists
There are many sensory tricks that your mind plays on you. Find out about the different phenomena that neuroscientists have discovered over the decades.
100 Years of Change: How Old London Compares With the New
The earliest recorded video of London was more than a century ago. Compare it to London today!
If You Like Greek Mythology, Don’t Miss These Movies!
If you’re interested in Greek mythology, then make sure you check out these amazing films.
I Can't Wait to Try These Exciting Kitchen Inventions
Whether you like cooking of not, you'll surely appreciate these ingenious kitchen gadgets designed to make life easier.
12 Juicy Facts You Probably Don't Know About Grapes
Did you know grapes are actually berries? Find out more juicy facts about grapes in this article.
Hark Back to Meiji-Era Japan With These Stunning Pictures
The Meiji Era was a time of great change for Japan, transforming from a feudal state into a capitalist, imperialist one. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
You Should Share This With Your Younger Family Members
This enlightening message highlights the state of the world and reminds the social media generation of something vitally important.
These Amazing Illusions Are Enough to Make Your Head Spin
Optical illusions have the potential to highlight how the human mind plays tricks when it comes to perceiving things. Take a look at these 20 optical illusions.
Is There Anyone Luckier Than These Two Close Friends?
DJ Ginsberg and Marilyn Wagner paid just $2,000 for what would turn out to be a fascinating piece of motion picture history. Hear all about their story here.
Excited About 2023? Well, You Should Be!
2022 is over and the New Year is finally here. There are plenty of things to look forward to in 2023!
These Vintage Photos are Both Funny & Bizarre!
Check out these 15 weird sights from the past, which you certainly won't see nowadays!
Listen to 7 of History's Most Famous Speeches
This article brings you the words of 7 of the most famous and impassioned speeches in history.
From Food to Science - The WORST Misnomers You’ll Find!
Whoever named these objects must have seriously run out of imagination!
20 Mind-Boggling Food Facts to Nourish the Mind
Here are 20 mind-boggling factoids about the foods we eat every day.
8 Essential Greek Philosophy Books You Shouldn't Miss
Here is your best chance for understanding Greek philosophy and its history.
These Facts Sound Made Up, But Are Totally Real!
These weird facts may sound completely fake, but we can prove that they’re actually real.
These Foreign Laws Are Simply Too Weird For Words...
Discover 8 of the weirdest prohibitions from around the world that are bound to make you chuckle!
Wish Someone a Lovely Day With This Great Song...
This uplifting song is going to make anyone's day, guaranteed!
Her Mom With Alzheimer's Didn't Recognize Her, Until...
A loving daughter experiences a moment she thought she'd never have again.