Nitpick: Would it be better to spell it “munchkinning” with a double-n? To me at least, it seems that with the current spelling the most natural pronunciation would be munch-KINE-ing.
A double consonant should precede an -ing ending if the vowel preceding the consonant is short and not long unless of course as in this case the root word has two syllables and the stress is placed on the first syllable. Confusing? What ever do you mean?
The linked explanation is clear to me, and the double consonant rule actually does seem fairly consistent across English, now that I know to look for it. Thanks!
Unfortunately, the rule still leaves ambiguity between MUNCH-kinn-ing and munch-KINE-ing, but I suppose the ambiguity is much less if you’re familiar with the normal pronunciation of munchkin.
Ain’t no such thing as natural pronunciation in the English language :-/ Having said that, I would probably pronounce “munchkinning” as munch-KINN-ing so the stress is in the wrong place.
I think that’s true in British English but not in American English. (I am a native BrE speaker and lots of AmE participles look wrong to me for want of a doubled letter.) Since the Munchkins are the creation of an American author, I’m quite content with the spelling used here :-).
[META]
Nitpick: Would it be better to spell it “munchkinning” with a double-n? To me at least, it seems that with the current spelling the most natural pronunciation would be munch-KINE-ing.
[Edit: slightly rephrased]
A double consonant should precede an -ing ending if the vowel preceding the consonant is short and not long unless of course as in this case the root word has two syllables and the stress is placed on the first syllable. Confusing? What ever do you mean?
The linked explanation is clear to me, and the double consonant rule actually does seem fairly consistent across English, now that I know to look for it. Thanks!
Unfortunately, the rule still leaves ambiguity between MUNCH-kinn-ing and munch-KINE-ing, but I suppose the ambiguity is much less if you’re familiar with the normal pronunciation of munchkin.
Do you spell traveling or travelling? Worshiping or worshipping? I’d give them all the same treatment we give to happening.
Ain’t no such thing as natural pronunciation in the English language :-/ Having said that, I would probably pronounce “munchkinning” as munch-KINN-ing so the stress is in the wrong place.
I think that’s true in British English but not in American English. (I am a native BrE speaker and lots of AmE participles look wrong to me for want of a doubled letter.) Since the Munchkins are the creation of an American author, I’m quite content with the spelling used here :-).
Oddly enough, I’m a native speaker of American English. Maybe I’m just weird. :)