Where Did The “T” Go, and…..

At first, I just thought it was a mistake in pronunciation or a speech impediment, but as time has passed with more and more of the same and with others commenting, I think it must be intentional and am wondering who originated this and why?

The first word I began to hear often with no “T” was/is “IMPORTANT,” and some folks were pronouncing it as “IM—POR—ANT” and even “IM—POR—AN.” And these weren’t just folks of lesser education or wealth but even well-known speakers on various television and radio offerings. Example: “It is ‘IMPOR—UN’ for the United States to maintain high standards!”

I have even had some of my “friends” ask me how and why this is happening and if it has some “English” reasons.

Not long ago, one of my “running buddies” rolled his eyes and said, “Themer, now it is not just ‘IMPORTANT’ but the word, ‘BUTTON.’ A lady was talking to me and said she had lost a ‘BUH— UN.’ And she again said the word the same way a little later in our conversation.”

And, so, I began listening a little closer and making mental notes and have been shocked by the “dropping of the ‘T’” in conversational and formal English!

Not to belabor the point, but yesterday I heard a lady say that she was disappointed because she had arrived home with some “RAW— UN” apples! (rotten) And while I am on my “soap box,” it is becoming more and more common to hear “OH” used in place of “ZERO.” Some examples are the following: “My folks live at ‘SIX—OH—FIVE’ Maple Avenue”—“The Astros are ‘FIVE—AND—OH’ during the recent homestand!”— “The telephone number is ‘NINE—THREE—OH— FOUR.’” The “OH” should be “zero.”

I know that language is constantly changing, but usually for what I consider very valid reasons. I see none for the loss of the “T” or the substitution of “OH” for “ZERO.”

Now, before you think I am being a “know-it-all,” let me admit that I make many mistakes, but I try not to do so! Thanks for humoring this old “TEE—ER,” who had “OH” teachers in college and in F. I. S. D. who tolerated not writing and speaking correctly in semiformal and formal situations.