AEE 2428: Why is English Spelling So Nerve-Racking?

Summary

Podcast Summary: All Ears English Podcast - Episode 2428: Why is English Spelling So Nerve-Racking?

Introduction

In Episode 2428 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsey McMahon and Aubrey Carter delve into the complexities of English spelling, focusing on why it can be particularly challenging for learners. Titled "Why is English Spelling So Nerve-Racking?", the episode addresses common spelling variations and their implications in everyday usage, enhancing listeners' understanding of nuanced English expressions.

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Understanding "Nerve Wracking" vs. "Nerve Unwracking"

The episode begins with Aubrey Carter introducing the central question: "Why is English spelling so nerve wracking?" (00:00). Lindsey McMahon highlights the confusion learners face when encountering multiple spellings for the same word, using "nerve wracking" as a classic example.

Key Discussion Points:

• Spelling Variations: Both "nerve wracking" (with a 'W') and "nerve unwracking" are correct and commonly used.
• Original vs. Accepted Spellings: Aubrey emphasizes that "nerve wracking" without the 'W' is the original spelling and is preferred in formal writing (05:06). However, both variations are accepted in dictionaries and media.
• Audience Awareness: Lindsey advises listeners to consider their audience when choosing the spelling, especially in formal contexts like academic essays (05:35).

Notable Quote:

Aubrey Carter [05:06]: "The good news is if you're like, I want to be as correct as possible. Nerve wracking without the W is the original spelling."

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Exploring "Rack" vs. "Wreck"

The hosts transition to the verbs "rack" and "wreck," which contribute to the spelling confusion in "nerve wracking."

Key Discussion Points:

• "Rack" (without the 'W'): Primarily means to cause extreme mental or physical pain. Example: "The pain racked his body after the injury." (07:09)
• "Wreck" (often spelled "wrack"): Means to ruin or destroy, though it's less commonly used in everyday conversation (07:39).

Notable Quote:

Lindsey McMahon [07:22]: "It's a very medieval torture device. You might see it. It's in the Princess Bride."

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Idiomatic Expressions: "Racking One's Brain" and "Racked with Guilt"

Lindsey and Aubrey emphasize the practical usage of these terms in everyday English through idiomatic expressions.

Key Discussion Points:

• "Racking One's Brain": Means to think very hard to solve a problem or remember something. Both spellings (rack and wrack) are acceptable. Example: "I was racking my brain but couldn't come up with a solution." (08:30)
• "Racked with Guilt": Describes experiencing intense feelings of guilt or remorse. Again, both spellings are correct. Example: "She was racked with guilt after she lied." (09:23)

Notable Quotes:

Aubrey Carter [08:54]: "These are both spelled with either just the R, a C, K or with a W."

Lindsey McMahon [09:17]: "Or racked with guilt. To be racked with guilt is big."

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Roleplay: Applying the Concepts

To illustrate the application of these expressions, Aubrey and Lindsey engage in a roleplay scenario discussing an altercation with a mutual friend.

Roleplay Highlights:

• Expressing Stress: Aubrey starts by stating, "This is really nerve wracking. She won't talk to me." (12:49)
• Demonstrating Usage: Lindsey responds, "I get the feeling she's racked with guilt for yelling at you and just needs some time to gather herself." (12:58)
• Expressing Effort: Aubrey adds, "Maybe I'm racking my brain to figure out what I did that made her so upset." (13:08)

Analysis:

• The roleplay showcases how both "rack" and "wrack" can be seamlessly integrated into natural conversation.
• It emphasizes the importance of matching the intensity of expressions to the situation for effective communication.

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Takeaways and Conclusions

Towards the end of the episode, Lindsey and Aubrey summarize the key lessons:

1. Dual Spellings Accepted: Both "nerve wracking" and "nerve unwracking" are correct and can be used interchangeably in most contexts (15:30).
2. Audience Consideration: Choose the spelling based on the formality of the audience and the medium of communication.
3. Idiomatic Mastery: Understanding and correctly using expressions like "racking one's brain" and "racked with guilt" enhances emotional expression and connection in conversations (15:17).

Final Quote:

Aubrey Carter [15:30]: "When it comes to this weird spelling, both exist, both are accepted. You can use either. You could use the original spelling. So be sure that you're always 100% correct and leave off the W."

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Conclusion

Episode 2428 of the All Ears English Podcast effectively unpacks the intricacies of English spelling variations, particularly focusing on "nerve wracking." Through detailed explanations, real-life examples, and interactive roleplay, hosts Lindsey McMahon and Aubrey Carter provide listeners with valuable insights to navigate the complexities of English spelling and usage confidently. By emphasizing the importance of audience awareness and the power of idiomatic expressions, the episode equips English learners with the tools to enhance both their written and spoken communication.

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Relevant Timestamps:

• Introduction of Topic: 00:00 - 03:21
• Listener Question & Spelling Discussion: 03:21 - 15:41
• Roleplay Scenario: 12:49 - 15:49

For more episodes and to enhance your English learning journey, subscribe to the All Ears English Podcast and visit allearsenglish.com.

Transcript

[Aubrey Carter]

This is an All Ears English podcast. Episode 2428 why is English spelling so nerve wracking?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection. With your American host, Aubrey Carter, the IELTS whiz and Lindsey McMahon, the English adventurer, coming to you from Arizona and Colorado, usa. And to get your transcripts delivered by email every week, go to allearsenglish.com subscribe when you're racking your brain for interesting vocabulary. Do you ever see multiple ways to spell the same thing today? Get one classic example as we answer a listener question. Listen in. Today when you speak English, do people ask what a lot? Or maybe they tell you you have great English but you don't feel like you do. Break free from awkward conversations and shake off that feeling of almost fluent by taking our free two minute quiz. Get your personalized results immediately. Check it out. Allearsenglish.com fluency score. That's allearsenglish.com fluency Score.

[Aubrey Carter]

Hello, Lindsay. How are you?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Great, Aubry. We're recording today on a Friday, so I'm feeling fantastic.

[Aubrey Carter]

I love a Friday. I know.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Love a Friday. Aubry. Something that you find nerve wracking.

[Aubrey Carter]

Oh man. I have teenagers driving these days and every time they get in their car to drive, that's very nerve wracking for me. I have, I have stress and anxiety worrying they're going to get an accident. My daughter hit the side of the garage the other day when she was trying to pull in.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Oh, I totally get how that feels. I did that yesterday too. Last week I actually hit the brick wall of my driveway and guess what? I went called a couple places to get a quote. It's going to cost thirteen hundred dollars to fix. Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

To fix the wall or the car or both.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Oh, walls. Fine. It was a little tap. It was a tiny tab.

[Aubrey Carter]

Wall's fine.

[Lindsey McMahon]

But it's quite expensive to fix.

[Aubrey Carter]

So yeah, the car lost that battle. Yeah.

[Lindsey McMahon]

So I understand how it feels to be nervous that there's going to be some damage. So. Good stuff.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes. I got a great question about this adjective. Nerd or adverb? Nerve wracking. When something is nerve wracking. Yes. And we're going to. But first we want to make sure that you guys hit follow wherever you're listening. If you're not following the podcast, you might be missing some great episodes.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Oh my gosh. Definitely hit that follow button. We've come up just this week with some really good ideas for fun episodes coming up soon. You don't want to miss a single one. So hit follow Aubry Today we have a question from a listener.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah, exactly. I'll read it for us.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Okay.

[Aubrey Carter]

Dear Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey, I hope you're all doing well. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the amazing work you do on the Allers English podcast. I. I have been a dedicated listener for over a year now, and I tune in almost every day. Your episodes have been incredibly helpful, engaging, and fun, and I truly appreciate all the effort you put into making learning English enjoyable. I loved this so much. I'm excited to be able to read it. This really warms our hearts.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, really does. We love that. Oh, so good. All right, so what does? Maybe feedback.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes, here's the question. I also have a question that I think would be interesting for an episode. I've come across both nerve wracking with a W in for unwracking and nerve wracking without the W and was wondering if there's a difference between them. Are they both correct? Is one more common than the other? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you again for everything you do. I'm looking forward to many more episodes. Best regards, Medi.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes, we love, we love targeted, specific questions, don't we, Aubrey?

[Aubrey Carter]

Absolutely. And this is a really interesting one because this is the average native English speaker on the street would either not have an answer. Maybe they've noticed this, maybe they haven't. It would be. They'd be like, huh, I don't know. Interesting. Yeah, not everybody knows the answer to this.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Or when they're writing, they might need to look it up right really quickly or check Grammarly or something to know which one to write. So you are right there with native speakers. Mi.

[Aubrey Carter]

Don't worry. Yes. And when Medie probably looked this up and saw this, that both are used commonly and both are considered correct. This almost makes it more difficult. Sometimes you're like, wait, what?

[Lindsey McMahon]

How is right right? Because you want to do it the right way. And what does everyone think is the right way? We don't really know. Right.

[Aubrey Carter]

So the good news is if you're like, I want to be as correct as possible. Nerve wracking without the W is the original spelling. So opt for that, especially in writing. There could be some, you know, grammarians, people that are very strict about English that would still want to see it written like that in like an academic essay, but both are in the Dict, dictionary as correct. Both are used quite commonly. I've certainly seen both even in, like, the news. So you couldn't see one and be like, that's a mistake. No, they're both accepted spellings.

[Lindsey McMahon]

So for me, that takeaway is make sure you know who your audience is. Even if you're writing a text message. Maybe your friend is an academic and you're texting them, maybe you would use the more traditional spelling for them.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right, exactly. This is interesting when there are misspellings that become adopted as part of the language. Right. It's an accepted variant now because it's so common. People are like, we're not going to fight how people write this and how they're using it, so we'll just add them both to the dictionary and move on.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, things evolve. Language evolves, language changes. That's just how it is. Right. That's at least that's our take on it. Right. Different people, different podcasts, I'm sure, have different takes on that and the evolution of language.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right, Absolutely. Definitely. So let's first go into what nerve wracking means. We used it at the top of the episode. It just means stressful. So it is an adjective. You might say it was really nerve wracking when my flight kept getting delayed. This is nerve wracking, especially if you need to arrive at a certain time and then it's delayed. Stressful.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, for sure. Or we have. Let's see. Tell us more. Aubrey, anything else we need to know about the first original kind?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah, well, we just wanted to point out the spelling variant was likely caused because rack and rack with a W both exist in English with similar meanings. So we're going to share the meanings of these verbs. It's strange that they both exist because they're so similar. And I can definitely see why these kind of got combined in that adjective and this both spelling started to exist.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Oh, interesting. So let's take R A C K first as a verb, which means to cause extreme mental or physical pain. Okay, exactly.

[Aubrey Carter]

So you might say pain wracked his body after he injured his back. So this would be spelled without the W. R A K, E D. There's actually a torture device called the rack that would cause your body to be racked with pain.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Oh, my gosh. Horrible. Geez. Okay.

[Aubrey Carter]

It's a very medieval torture device. You might see it. It's in the Princess Bride. They're using sort of a rack to, like, stretch him.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Awful.

[Aubrey Carter]

Terrible.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Horrible.

[Aubrey Carter]

Oh, my gosh.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Okay, so then what would be the W, R, A, C, K. The meaning there.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right. So this, it has the same meaning really as the verb wreck. Wrecks. This is tricky. That means ruin or destroy. But it is not used commonly. You'll see it in the dictionary. And it does exist, I think. And we. They know that. This is why the spelling variant has exist, has been created. But it's rare. So here's an example. The plot hole racked the audience's perception of the movie. That would mean ruined or destroyed. But I don't know that I've ever heard anyone use this in everyday conversations.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. Honestly, you know, the biggest shortcut for today's episode is to know where we actually use these words.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right.

[Lindsey McMahon]

That's why I'm excited to teach the next one, Aubry, which is rack one's brain. This is where we hear this. This is what we have to worry about. It's not. It's not all these ancient meanings. What does it mean to rack your brain?

[Aubrey Carter]

Right. We're going to teach you two things like idioms, expressions, where we actually use these all the time. So this means to think very hard in order to try to remember something or solve a problem. Right. I was racking my brain but couldn't come up with a solution. And in this case, you could spell it either way, just like nerve wracking. These are both spelled with either just the R, a C, K or with a W. Yeah.

[Lindsey McMahon]

And it's a good connection skill to be able to signal you've tried to figure something out. If you're helping someone, maybe they have a problem and you've really racked your brain to try to find a solution. You want words to signal that.

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly. Right. You don't want to give the impression that you're like h. You don't. I kind of tried, but it was. This is a great way to say I really did put in some effort. I racked my brain, but I cannot remember exactly.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Or racked with guilt. To be racked with guilt. Now this could be with that W or without. Right. Au.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yep. Both acceptable spellings.

[Lindsey McMahon]

And this is when you're experiencing intense feelings of guilt or remorse. She was racked with guilt after she lied. Yeah. Most human beings have an innate con, you know, conscience in a sense. Right. If we've done something wrong, we know it and we usually feel bad.

[Aubrey Carter]

And this is a great phrase to connect. If you feel remorse, if you feel regret for something you've done. And sometimes words aren't enough to say, I'm sorry, I feel badly. This is a great Expression that it's bigger. Right. To say, I honestly am racked with guilt about lying to you. I'm racked with guilt about causing that accident. Something big, right? You're trying to share how badly you feel about it.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Well, that's a really good point, Aubrey. Sometimes the words have to match how big the situation is. And so if you've done something really bad, like you said, you can't just say, oh, I feel bad, right? No, that's not big enough. And so that's how we maintain connection is by matching the. The size of the expression to what has actually happened.

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly right. This is big. To be racked with guilt is big. Now, keep in mind, often things that are big, like this, expressions that are big, we. Those often tend towards sarcasm. So, for example, if you don't feel badly at all, you might sarcastically say, oh, I'm wracked with guilt about it. Really? What you mean is, I don't feel bad at all.

[Lindsey McMahon]

That's a good point. Be really careful because you can teeter when you go big, you can teeter on that sarcasm. Right? And then. And then you want to be clear that you're genuine. And there are other ways to do that, which we can talk about on the show another day.

[Aubrey Carter]

Absolutely right.

[Lindsey McMahon]

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[Aubrey Carter]

I'll start us out. This is really nerve wracking. She won't talk to me. But I feel like if she and I could talk about what happened would be able to work it out.

[Lindsey McMahon]

I'm sure she'll be up for talking about it eventually. Talking it out eventually. I get the feeling she's racked with guilt for yelling at you and just needs some time to gather herself.

[Aubrey Carter]

Maybe I'm racking my brain to figure out what I did that made her so upset.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Very realistic conversation. Right?

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly. The nice thing is when we're saying these in a roleplay and spoken conversation they sound exactly the same. It doesn't matter. But you will. When you're reading something you will see them written both ways with and without.

[Lindsey McMahon]

A W. And then the other nice thing is that we don't. You like. I don't feel like we write these very that much. We might text someone. But I feel like it's more spoken. These are spoken expressions. Don't you think?

[Aubrey Carter]

Right. Unless you're writing a novel or a news article. Then you might find yourself using this. Like.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Sure.

[Aubrey Carter]

I'm curious. It's funny. Now that you have learned this there's a chance that our listeners will like see it in a news article tomorrow maybe. Right. Because they're pretty common.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes. I love that. All right. So let's go through this. Aubry. So first you said this is really nerve wracking. And we decided to.

[Aubrey Carter]

Really stressful.

[Lindsey McMahon]

And then what else?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. And then you said I'm. I have a feeling she's racked with guilt for yelling at you. So you're saying. I think the reason she's avoiding you is she feels super guilty about what she did and needs some time.

[Lindsey McMahon]

And then you are. I. You said maybe I'm racking my brain trying to figure out what I did. So I'm really just trying hard to think and figure out what happened.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes. And I feel like this. It. Sometimes we use it sort of this way idiomatically. Sort of like an expression that means like I cannot think of what I possibly could have done. Right. So it's not like I am really like thinking hard. It's more like I didn't do anything. I have no idea what I did. I'm racking my brain to think of what it. And there's nothing.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. That's an awful feeling too. Right. Someone's upset and you just can't Figure out what it was. Good stuff, guys. Hit the follow button right here on the show. And Aubry, where's our what what should be our takeaway for today? Where should we leave our listeners?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. So this verb rack in English is used most commonly in English with today's expression racking one's brain racked with guilt. These deal with intense emot. And of course sharing about intense emotions is one of the best ways to connect in English. If you are racked with guilt about someone, admit that to someone you're close to. Right. This could really be a way to create a bond between you.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, for sure. I mean connection happens when we express ourselves accurately and precisely. And we do need the words that level that up to the. To the right level. Right to the how bad we feel about something. So this is one of the resources to do that. All right.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes. And when it comes to this weird spelling, both exist, both are accepted. You can use either. You could use the original spelling. So be sure that you're always 100 correct and leave off the W. Yeah.

[Lindsey McMahon]

So don't lose any sleep over it. Right? Absolutely. All right, good stuff. Okay, Aubrey, we'll see you in the next episode. Take care.

[Aubrey Carter]

See you next time.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Bye. Thanks for listening. To all ears. English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz, go to allearsenglish.com forward/fluency score. And if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.

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