Okay, so today I wanted to tackle pronouncing “medalist” correctly. Always heard people butchering it, saying “MED-uh-list” real heavy, or mixing it up with “metalist” or something. Bugged me enough to dig into it myself.
Starting Simple & Getting Confused
First, I just tried saying it based on how it looks: “MED-AL-IST.” Felt natural, right? Said it loud a few times: “MED-uh-list.” Then I stopped and thought… nah, that sounds clunky and off, like talking about someone who collects pillows or whatever. Doesn’t match the slick way I’ve heard commentators during events like the Olympics say it. Made me doubt everything.
Breaking It Down Piece by Piece
Figured I needed to slice it up. Everyone says English words are weird, so let’s try cutting “medalist” into chunks:
- “Med”: Sounds like “med” in “medicine,” not “med” like a bed. So, “mehd,” but short.
- “Al”: Here’s where I messed up. Kept saying “al” like “pal.” Dumb. Should be a soft “uh” sound, almost lazy. So, “uh-l”.
- “Ist”: Easy peasy. Just “ist” like “list,” not “eest.”
So now it’s “MED-uh-list” but smooshed together? Still felt heavy. Like dragging boots through mud.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Got real with myself and mumbled it casually, like I wasn’t overthinking. Almost talking to my fridge. Started with “MED” light and quick, then a barely-there “uh,” rolled into a fast “list.” Like, “meh-duh-list” but super smooth. That’s it!
The trick? Stress the first syllable (“MED”), then rush through the others. “MED-lst” almost. Don’t punch the “al” – just let it kinda dissolve. Saying it fast ten times: mehduhlist, mehduhlist, mehduhlist… yup, started sounding like those announcers.
The lightbulb moment? It’s way closer to how I say “specialist” or “journalist.” I’d never say “SPEC-AL-IST,” I crush it to “SPESH-uh-list.” Same energy. Medalist ain’t fancy – it’s snappy.
Why This Matters to Me
Because hearing “MED-AL-IST” said loud and wrong in YouTube chats? Oof. Felt like nails down a chalkboard. Nailing it just sounds… respectful? To the athletes? And honestly, feels good knowing this tiny piece of language properly. Saved it in my brain under “Things I Won’t Cringe At Anymore.” Win.