2

Tech stands for technique or technology. But how should one pronounce tech? Is it as /tɛk/ as in technical or /tɛtʃ/ as in tetchy?

Similarly, arch stands for architect or architecture. How do you pronounce arch? Is it the same way you do when you say the Golden Arches, or it it as in archangel with a /k/ sound?

Improve this question
1
  • Be warned that Donald Knuth’s TeX typesetting system is expected to be pronounced /ˈtɛx/, as though it were Greek, like in τεχνικ. The /x/ is the sound at the end of Scottish loch or German Bach, but it often comes out as /k/ by English-speakers.
    – tchrist ♦
    May 13, 2014 at 3:44

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Despite merely being an abbreviation of the word "architecture" in this context, "arch" is still pronounced [ar-ch] here.

Improve this answer
3
  • If he means the /usr/bin/arch command, then sure, it’s pronounced [ɑɹtʃ]. But I’m not sure that’s the word he means.
    – tchrist ♦
    May 13, 2014 at 3:47
  • Both the command and the abbreviation are pronounced in this manner. The "arch" command's output is the type of "architecture" the OS is running. I'm answering the question indicated in the title. en.wiktionary.org/wiki/arch
    – njboot
    May 13, 2014 at 3:51
  • Yeah, ok. I can’t say I know a context for ever giving some hypothetical arch term of art an actual [ɑɹk] pronunciation in Unixese.
    – tchrist ♦
    May 13, 2014 at 3:56

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.