How is WhatsApp correctly pronounced: WhatsApp or WhatsApp - briefly?
The correct pronunciation of "WhatsApp" is with a long "a" sound in both syllables, similar to the word "what." Therefore, it should be pronounced as "What-s-app," not "Wots-app."
How is WhatsApp correctly pronounced: WhatsApp or WhatsApp - in detail?
The pronunciation of "WhatsApp" has been a subject of debate among users, with some favoring "What's App" and others preferting the more formal "WhatsApp." To clarify this matter, let's delve into the origins and intended pronunciation of this widely used messaging platform.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that WhatsApp was created by Brian Acton and Jan Koum in 2009. The name itself is a play on words, derived from "what's up?"—a common colloquial expression meaning "how are you?" or "what's happening?" This casual and conversational origin suggests that the founders intended for the app to be pronounced in a similarly informal manner.
When breaking down the name phonetically, "WhatsApp" is composed of two parts: "What's" and "app." The contraction "What's" is short for "what is," which is commonly used in everyday speech to ask questions or express curiosity. Therefore, the correct pronunciation should reflect this casual usage.
The creators have also provided guidance on the matter. In various interviews and official communications, Jan Koum has emphasized that the proper way to pronounce WhatsApp is "What's App." This pronunciation aligns with the app's purpose as a conversational tool designed for ease of use and accessibility.
Moreover, the informal pronunciation "What's App" is consistent with how the name appears in writing. The apostrophe indicates that a letter or letters are missing, which is typical in contractions like "it's," "can't," or "don't." This grammatical convention supports the idea that WhatsApp should be pronounced as "What's App."
In summary, while both pronunciations—WhatsApp and What's App—are used by users worldwide, the intended and officially recognized way to pronounce WhatsApp is "What's App." This informal pronunciation aligns with the app's origins, its founders' intentions, and the grammatical conventions of contractions. By adopting this pronunciation, users can more accurately reflect the casual and conversational nature of the popular messaging platform.