WhatsApp or WhatsApp - which spelling is correct - briefly?
The correct spelling of the popular messaging app is "WhatsApp". The variation "WhatsApp" is a common mistake but not recognized as accurate.
WhatsApp or WhatsApp - which spelling is correct - in detail?
The question of whether to spell WhatsApp with a capital "W" or in lowercase has been a subject of debate among users and language enthusiasts alike. To determine the correct spelling, it's essential to understand the evolution of the brand name and the conventions surrounding proper nouns.
WhatsApp was founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, former employees of Yahoo! The name "WhatsApp" is a play on words, combining "what's up" with the term "app," short for application. When the founders chose this name, they likely intended it to be written as "WhatsApp," following the standard capitalization rules for proper nouns. Proper nouns, which include brand names and product titles, typically start with a capital letter in English.
Over time, some users have adopted the lowercase spelling "whatsapp" for convenience or due to a misunderstanding of the brand name's origin. However, this usage is not consistent with standard English conventions for proper nouns. Moreover, the official WhatsApp website and various other official communications from the company use the capitalized form "WhatsApp."
To ensure accuracy and maintain consistency with the brand's identity, it is recommended to spell WhatsApp with a capital "W" at the beginning of the word. This spelling not only adheres to conventional English usage for proper nouns but also aligns with the company's preferred representation of its name. Therefore, the correct spelling is "WhatsApp."