Writing Tip 188: “Mettle” vs. “Meddle” vs. “Metal” vs. “Medal”

I wouldn’t want to meddle when this metal chicken appeared in my neighbor’s yard. Maybe they earned it somehow in lieu of a metal?

Tough times can show your true mettle, but perhaps if you were a former Olympian, tough times might make you pull out your medal, which is made of metal. I won’t ask you too much about that though, because I don’t want to meddle.

Yes, I could see how these four words could be confusing at first glance. Some mistakes between them might be typos, but often, I believe, it’s an ignorance of the word “mettle.”

Showing your strength and fortitude isn’t showing your metal, even though I could see why some logic might take you there.

“Mettle” means to have a strong character, to be courageous, or to have an even temperament.
“Metal” is a hard substance that your chemistry teacher, a geologist, or an electrician could probably tell you all about. If you’re into hair bands, you might know of another kind of metal (music).
A “medal” is an award for achievement or bravery that is often made of metal.
To “meddle” means to put your nose in someone else’s business.

Should you get a medal for knowing these differences? Maybe not, but you should feel pretty good about yourself anyway.

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