I've had a sudden mental block on one of my sentences -

someone is 'cringeing and whingeing'

or is it 'cringing and whinging/

Help!

Casey

Casey, I think – but I'm not 100% sure – that it’s cringing and whingeing.

Although, to be honest, I don’t think I would use those two words together like that.

Dee

Ah thanks for that, Dee. Should have known that both of my options would be wrong!

I am using them together for effect, sound wise and for the rhythm of the sentence and for a slightly humorous tone.

Blimey, i've just stood my ground on something with Dee - am i finally finding some writerly confidence?

Thanks again.

Casey

My on-line dictionary says cringing and whinging - no e

UK English tends to use 'e's - cringeing and whingeing - US English doesn't (although they don't say 'whingeing'... but still).

Neither is incorrect, but I'd go for 'e's - I think it makes them easier to read.

<Added>

In fact, I'll state that more strongly. I'd definitely use 'e's. To omit them suggests a /g/ as in 'gone' rather than a /dz/ as in 'gin' in typical UK spelling. (Think of the spelling of 'winging'.)

Hmm, i googled cringing and whingeing and they both came up - don't tell me, this is going to be one of those questions with no firm answer.


thanks Naomi.

Casey, LOL!!!

Naomi, I think whinging/whingeing could go either way, although without the e the g looks like it’s hard, as in winging.

Dee

Casey, I cross-posted my addition with Dee! I do think you should use an 'e'...

Hey, Luisa, great minds!

Luisa, for which, cringing or whinging??

Dee, that's what i thought, whinging reminded me of winging,ie hard sounding.

Casey

<Added>

Gawd, sorry Luisa, missed your first post!

Both!

Definitely both.



<Added>

It's a well-known US/UK difference. Honestly - try Googling "British v American Spelling" + "cringeing".

Bingeing is the same.

Definitely use the 'e's if you want to use UK spelling.

Thanks, Luisa

uncanny - i was just thinking of the word bingeing, Luisa!

Okay, i'm convinced, off to add my 'e' s