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When companies create a brand name, they often use a misspelled word or faux word. The classic example is swapping a 'K' in for a hard 'C', like in 'Konqueror', the browser.

Another example would be along the lines of 'Vawlt' for 'Vault'

Aside from the obvious trademark implications, does this spelling change have an impact on the connotations of the altered word? For example, does it give the word a childish connotation? Or a foreign feel?

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Ah, like krab with a k then, eh? Or byte with a y? Not to mention chik’n tenders. :) – tchrist Mar 19 at 0:54
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I don't think you can generalize it. Yes, it can give the word a different feel. Whether it is childish, foreign, rugged, flimzy etc. has to be taken on a case-by-case basis. – Jim Mar 19 at 1:03
To me, it says childish and silly marketing campaign. To others it might say "wow, how very cool and trendy!". – Cerberus Mar 19 at 1:03
Interestingly, the misspelling of a word does not change it's meaning for trademark purposes. definitions.uslegal.com/m/misspelled-words-as-marks states "trademark law considers words that are misspelled, but otherwise descriptive of a product to be the same as the non-misspelled descriptive term for that product." – Wayne Johnston Mar 19 at 2:25
@WayneJohnston Have you heard of the "wyngz" controversy? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyngz – Pitarou Mar 19 at 4:33
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closed as not constructive by FumbleFingers, MετάEd, tchrist, RegDwighт Mar 19 at 7:50

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