Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries

by Kory Stamper

Is it low-class to pronounce “cadre” as \ˈka-ˌdrā\ (KA-dray), or is it preening and pretentious to pronounce it \ˈkä-dər\ (KAH-dur)? Which one will transform me from a lumpen buffoon into a lithe and elegant viscountess? Help me, O Dictionaries!