Sheath or Sheaf?

[Macaroon]

Languages evolve and english is a perfect example. Add to that the "digital age" where hundreds of new words, unknown 30 years ago, are quite acceptable.
Get used to the idea of translating. I think some synonyms are outstandingly dense/thick/stupid & foolish. The regional origins explain otherwise.
All sorts of words have been incorporated into english. There's 12,000 yr old word in Sanskrit that we all understand for "sugar." The word is "kandij." Just say it.

But you all are right. Mistakes in auditory perception can be perpetuated.

There's a huge difference between a flexible and ever changing vocabulary and the mangling of grammar and syntax.

 

[John Fenna]

ys,dwn wth vwls.

Come to Wales - they have been doing without them for centuries

 

[Fin]

I think 'sheaf' has slipped into usage from certain areas of the country whose inhabitants pronounce the 'th' as 'f' - like Sarf Landon!

English does evolve, in this way, quite a lot - an apron, for example, is actually a napron (relating to 'nap' - as in weave, or cloth).

We have grammatical oddities too. "...if I were you...". Why the plural, "were"? Surely it should be "...if I was you...".

It's "sheath", by the way!

But in a hundred years time - who knows?

 

[Shinken]

The problem with criticising grammar is we then have to use perfect grammar ourselves; otherwise we become hippopotamus.

 

[daveO]

The problem with criticising grammar is we then have to use perfect grammar ourselves; otherwise we become hippopotamus.

*Hippopotomi