A Question About Pronouncing Weird Words

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The discussion centers around the pronunciation of the word "Boox," which is a playful spelling of "books." There is a debate on whether it should be pronounced like "books" (similar to "rox" and "roxor") or as "boo." The conversation highlights that pronunciation can often be subjective and based on common usage rather than strict rules. One participant notes that "Boox" is a trademarked term, suggesting that the trademark owner may influence its pronunciation. While some participants propose breaking it into two syllables as "Bo-ox," there is uncertainty about the correct pronunciation, with one person expressing a desire for "Bo-ox" to be the answer. The overall sentiment acknowledges the chaotic nature of English pronunciation and spelling.
triley
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Hello, maybe you can settle an argument. The internet leaves people trying to spell words a little different, or creating new ones all together. For example, rocks, becomes rox, becomes roxor (said rocks-or)
This leads to my question. ‘Boox’ is the ‘word’ in question. I think it should be said books like in rox, and roxor. (I know roxor isn’t a real word but still..) My friend says it should be said “Boo” and word readers pounce it so. They also have a problem pronouncing things with X in general.
So, how is ‘Boox’ pronounced? If it’s wrong what would you suggest for a silly spelling of the word ‘books’ with some x’s in there.
Thanks for your time with this silly question.
 
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English is weird. For most words, the "correct" pronunciation is just a matter of how most people pronounce it (similar to how the "correct" spelling is just a matter of how most people spell it). It doesn't necessarily have to abide by any logic, rhyme or reason. It's just chaos, really.

"Boox" might be an exception, because it is contrived (made up by an individual) and trademarked. So I suppose the owner of the trademark has some say over its pronunciation. This is similar to how you have some say over how your own name is pronounced (and/or maybe your parents).
https://alter.com/trademarks/boox-79291653

Honestly, I had never heard the word "Boox" before today, and I had to look it up. I have no idea how it's pronounced.

I tried to find some videos from the company which might give some insight, but all I've found are videos with music in the background, or 3rd party review videos. So I don't know.

You gave good examples of different pronunciations for double-o words, like "books" vs. "boo."

But there's a third option, to break up the word into two syllables. Bo-ox. "Bo" could be pronounced like "bow," "toe," "blow" etc., and "ox," is well, like "ox." This is similar to "zoology" where the first syllable is "zo" and last three syllables are "ology."
 
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Email somebody at the company and ask them.
 
(Start at about t=20s)
 
robphy said:
(Start at about t=20s)

Darn it. I was so hoping for "Bo-ox."
 
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