The Word Cop Returns! What’s a “relator”?
Monday, April 27th, 2009Okay. Spelling is one thing. Grammar, punctuation, language usage - all of these are important facets of effective and sometimes eloquent communication. When the words move from page to lips, there is one more VERY important component - pronunciation. And today it is the topic emerging from my frustration!
I confess. I am an HGTV junkie. Since I would love to buy a new house myself, I revel vicariously in House Hunters, even House Hunters International, although I would never consider leaving my country to live elsewhere. HGTV has a wide variety of professionals gracing its programs. Designers, builders, contractors, subcontractors, agents and brokers all cross the HGTV stage to our TV screens. These people, and the announcers who promote them, are supposed to be professionals. Yet, the recent promo for some sort of competition begins dramatically with these words: “Twelve relators….”
Huh? What the heck is a relator? I haven’t a clue, but I think the HGTV pros should.
Of course I am kidding about not having a clue. I know very well what a “relator” is. It is the VERY common, and VERY annoying mispronunciation of “Realtor”, the title given to real estate professionals who belong to the National Association of Realtors. I used to be one, so I can attest to the fact that at least 90% of people mispronounce this title, including many who hold it!
This grates on my nerves. What is so difficult about this word? It begins with “real”, just like “real estate”. Duh. It isn’t “rela” estate, is it?
Try it. Practice. “Real - tor”. There, that wasn’t so hard, was it?