pronunciation

[MaryAnn]

Ok, I have seen this written many, many times but only heard it pronounced out loud once. How the guy pronounced it surprised me because I had been hearing it the other way.

The word / phrase is "bottom bow." As on a tuba; I always pronounced it as in "bow tie," and he pronounced it as in "bow-wow."

Which is it?

MA, displaying ignorance

[Kevin Hendrick]

The word / phrase is "bottom bow." As on a tuba; I always pronounced it as in "bow tie," and he pronounced it as in "bow-wow."

Which is it?

I've been pronouncing it the same way as you have, MA -- it seems to fit (the shape is similar to a rainbow).

If the second pronunciation is correct, and if it's meant to be similar to "branch" (i.e., a botanical reference), then the correct spelling would be "bough".

[Lew]

I have only heard it pronounced the first way, as in "bow tie." That includes discussions with several well known tuba artisans.

[Mark]

Bow and arrow. It's the shape of the bow.

[windshieldbug]

Bow knows tubas! (to paraphrase an old adverizement I'm ashamed to admit I can still recall)

[Chuck(G)]

Bow knows tubas! (to paraphrase an old adverizement I'm ashamed to admit I can still recall)

Hey, don't have a cow; I know you don't want to start a row, but it's now time that you show this fellow how bow is said.

Yow--did I just write that? Zowie!

[ThomasDodd]

Which is it?

I've been pronouncing it the same way as you have, MA -- it seems to fit (the shape is similar to a rainbow).

If the second pronunciation is correct, and if it's meant to be similar to "branch" (i.e., a botanical reference), then the correct spelling would be "bough".

I think either would be OK when speaking. I'm inclined to go with the long o (like the archery equipment) which matches the first definition at dictonary.com

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bow  n.
   1. A bent, curved, or arched object.

The definitions for the other pronunciation don't fit;

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bow n. Nautical
   1. The front section of a ship or boat.
   2. The oar or the person wielding the oar closest to the bow.

bow n.
  An inclination of the head or body, as in greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.

The definitions for bough seam appropriate, thus when speaking you cannot be sure how it spelled.

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bough n.
    A tree branch, especially a large or main branch.

bough n.
   any of the larger branches of a tree

This could lead to confusion on the spelling too. Perhaps bough is/was ment, but lasy Americans that we are, we've written bow instead?
[/code]

[windshieldbug]

Boi?

[Kevin Hendrick]

Or a poi boi?







Doc

Oi vei ...

[sc_curtis]

This has taken a somewhat disturbing turn for the worse...

[ThomasDodd]

Maybe I should have said "PO BOY" instead.

Sure looks more appetizing

[windshieldbug]

Or a poi boi?

Or a bowl o' poi,

take a bow, you deserve it!