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A List of the Words That Americans Say They Can Never Spell Correctly

Some words are just impossible to spell, no matter how many times you try. From “maintenance” to “boutonnière,” here are 20 words people always struggle with—plus a reminder that February has an “R.”

There are good spellers who are still haunted by a mistake from their sixth grade spelling bee.  And then there are others, who still can’t figure out whether they should use:  Y-O-U-R . . . Y-O-U-R-E . . . or U-R.  (???)

Someone asked the internet:  “What is the ONE word you can never spell correctly?”  And the responses were . . . relatable.  Here are a few:

1.  Maintenance.  “When I try to spell it out . . . my brain just short circuits.”

2.  Diarrhea.  “It’s always a big mess.  My spelling, that is.”

3.  Convenience.  Someone said, “I wanted to say this too, but couldn’t spell it.”

4.  Boutonnière.  “And I’m a wedding photographer.”

5.  Necessary.  Remember:  One C, Two Ss.

6.  Occasionally.  Remember:  Two Cs.  One S.

7.  Accommodate.  Remember:  Two Cs.  Two Ms.

8.  Embarrass.  Remember:  Two Rs.  Two Ss.

9.  Receipt.  Remember:  “I” before “E,” except after “C.”

10.  Seize.  Remember:  “I” before . . . wait a minute!  This must be an exception.  English is FUN!  Good luck following all this, A.I.

11.  Conscientious.  And also:  Conscience.

12.  Rhythm.

13.  Restaurant.

14.  Refrigerator.  Mostly due to the disappearing “D” from “fridge.”

15.  Privilege.

16.  Definitely.

17.  Nauseous.

18.  Alcohol.  Even when sober.

19.  Hemorrhoids.

20.  As a preemptive strike, tomorrow is a WEDNESDAY in FEBRUARY, and a lot of people struggle with both of those.

On top of this madness, there are also the words that are technically correct in two forms . . . and yet, we agonize over them anyway.

Things like:  Canceled vs. cancelled with TWO Ls . . . judgment vs. judgement with an E in the middle . . . and ax vs. axe with an E at the end.

(Ask Reddit)

Scott and Sadie

Meet Scott and Sadie: the anti-heroes of morning radio turned podcast renegades. Scott’s 40 years in broadcasting have left him fluent in snark, while Sadie’s nepotistic origins (thanks, Mom!) brought the unfiltered charm that made them a Northern Colorado favorite. After corporate radio ghosted them harder than a bad Tinder date, the duo ditched FCC babysitters and went full rogue. Now, they’re back with a podcast that’s equal parts wit, sarcasm, and a big middle finger to mediocrity. Loyal fans, curious newcomers, or algorithm strays—welcome to the chaos.

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