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
What's Portmanteau? Surprising Etymologies of Common Words
If If you have ever said the words brunch, sitcom or spam, you have used portmanteaus. This is the fascinating origins story of many common words...
Is It Soda or Pop? 12 Fun and Interesting Regional Words
How are these objects called? It depends on who you ask! Every part of the US has its own fun and fascinating set of regional words
What’s the Story Behind the Weird Names of US Coins?
Have you ever wondered what the word "dollar" actually means and where it comes from? Wonder no more.
The Fascinating Origins of 11 Lovely Flower Names
There is no better time than spring to dive headfirst into the fascinating world of flower name etymologies! Here are the origins of the names of 11 lovely flowers.
Why Did We Start Going to the Beach For Fun?
Did you know that going to the beach for recreation is a relatively new invention? For most of human history, the concept simply did not exist...
1950’s Slang Is a Blast! Learn 10 Essential Terms
These 10 words and phrases are the essentials of 1950’s slang, some of which we still use today...
25 Old Photos That Show How Different the World Used To Be
Check out this amazing collection of vintage pictures that show us how much the world around us has changed.
Mark Twain's Tips For a Better Kind of Life...
Mark Twain was not only a talented writer but a man of wise, witty words. Here are 12 of his best quotes.
The 10 Most Successful Battle Tactics of the Ancient World
In this video, you'll learn about the 10 most powerful tactics used in ancient battle, a battle with no artillery or guns.
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
From Across the Decades, These Photos are Fascinating!
Join us as we take you through the ages and see some really incredible sights!
A Look into Ancient Greece Like You've Never Seen Before
What can interior design and fashion trends tell us about a culture? A lot more than you think.
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
Who Were the Old West's Most Infamous Lawmen? Find Out.
The Wild West, or Old West, would have been completely lawless if it wasn't for lawmen like these. Her are 10 of the American Frontier's most infamous lawmen.
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.,
These Well-Known Places Have Their Hidden Secrets!
These well-known places have their hidden secrets. Read this article to reveal all!
News That Inspires: Positive Stories From Around the World
There are so many good things happening in the world. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring news updates to brighten your day.
Son of a Terrorist Speaks: Why I Choose Peace
The son of a famous terrorist, Zak Ebrahim's story is shocking and surprising.
Can You Guess the Meaning of These 20 Common Surnames?
We kind of take surnames for granted, as they are just passed down to us. But every name has an origin and meaning, and some might surprise you.
The True Story of Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb
Before you head to the theaters to watch Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, find out the real story of the “father of the atomic bomb”.
Check Out These Rare and Fascinating Antonyms!
Here are a few rare but fascinating antonyms we wish people used more often.
This is How You Can Tame Your Wandering Brain
External and internal distractions diminish our attention’s power, but some simple techniques can boost it. Find out more with this informative TED-Ed video.
The Story of the Roman Atlantis: The Ancient City of Baiae
In this article, we will explore what life was like in Baiae, why the city sank, and its rediscovery by explorers.
Send An Affectionate Kiss to Someone You Love Today
To someone you love, a kiss can say a whole lot, and that's why we've put this adorable collection together for you. Share your affection with them today.
15 Amazing Facts That Knocked Me Over with a Feather
The world always fascinates me and everyday I learn something new. Here are 15 facts and stories to give your brain a real workout. Which of these tidbits blows your mind most?
These Photos Will Help Restore Your Faith in Humanity!
These pictures will surely put a smile on your face, and they may even make you cry tears of happiness. However, most importantly, we hope they inspire you.
There is No Greater Blessing than Your Family
Beautiful Words: Having a family to care for is a blessing.
10 of the Fiercest Ancient Celtic Gods and Goddesses
Here we look at the most influential ancient gods and goddesses from the ancient Celtic pantheon.
Meet the 10 Most Influential Figures of the Renaissance
Learn about the 10 most influential characters from the rebirth of Western civilization, including sculptors, painters, architects, writers, humanists, scientists, and philosophers.
Rare Celebrity Pics from the '90s You Haven't Seen Before
These celebrity photos from the 1990s will make you nostalgic.
1950s Debunked: Correcting Misconceptions About the Era
The 1950s may not have been as idyllic as we have been made to believe.
10 Difficult Words in English Everyone Should Know
English has many difficult words with meanings that are nearly impossible to guess, which makes them super tough to remember. Here are 10 such words
The World Needs to Listen to This Song Now More Than Ever
Watch legendary singer Louis Armstrong perform his hauntingly beautiful and iconic song ‘What A Wonderful World’, live during this concert.
13 Fascinating Facts About International Intercourse!
These facts will shed a fascinating light on intercourse in the world.
GUIDE: 9 YouTube Channels for History Buffs!
Discover the past and enrich your knowledge with these captivating history channels on YouTube.
How Companies Deceive Us All - 20 Pictures
As these 20 pictures prove, companies are constantly lying about the size and the quality of their products through deceptive packaging!
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.
Inside the Male Psyche: The Silent Fears They Never Share
There are some things that a man never shares with anyone.
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!
Fascinating Facts About The Middle Ages You Never Knew
If you thought you had read everything about the Middle Ages in school, you are mistaken. Read these interesting facts from that era.
When it Comes to Inventive Solutions, These Guys Are Top!
We all face different issues every day and our solutions to these minor problems vary widely...
20th Century: The MOST Popular Breakfast of Every Decade
Breakfast shape-shifted quite a bit during the 20th century. Discover the most popular breakfast delicacy of every decade in this article
Say Cheers & Raise Your Drinks to These 15 Terrific Toasts
I have been known to offer a few toasts myself when the occasion has grabbed me, but these are 15 of the very best toasts I have ever heard.
Incredible Photos of Veterans from the Napoleonic Wars
Take a look at these incredible and only photos of veterans during the Napoleonic war.
22 Facts That Will Change What You Think You Know
From Facebook to Winston Churchill, these 22 surprising facts are very interesting.
Men vs. Women: What Does the Science Say?
10 studies and articles that dive into the real differences between the sexes, asking the meaningful questions and looking at real data.