When we introduced our One Team brand for the new year, the tag line was One Goal, One Impression, One Time. Our intent was to generate the sharpest focus possible on the importance of things big and little in order to WIN, like correct spelling 100% of the time.
We are talking about that sinking feeling that defies gravity when an error is discovered too late, whether it is a key memo to a new client, or in a Direct Mail piece that was approved for, and completed, a 10,000-copy printing…it blows my mind!
I read a recent article by Mark Heim at Al.com, commenting on 2025’s most misspelled words, as researched by WordUnscrabler.pro. They utilized data from Google to find the words most often searched for correct spelling, and the Top 10 are some tough ones, all bold-faced in this non-sensical sentence:
Definitely not surprised that separate and necessary are Top 10, since I believe we use them through efforts to communicate the purpose of a gorgeous TV ad, whether it is directed to a neighbor or a business that is a personal favorite because of a restaurant nearby.
The article noted that our dependence on autocorrect ‘weakens spelling skills over time’, with some researchers labeling it ‘digital amnesia – we simply forget things we delegate to technology.’ This is why our team of proofers is held in my highest regard – not only are they smart, but knowing my fear of undetected misspellings, they are probably borderline paranoia.
One final observation for all of those who think the only word we spell correctly in Alabama is football, this study listed America’s most misspelled words by state. The word most misspelled in the Heart of Dixie was different, which made me feel good since I usually get it right. And when I saw the other states where different was the front-runner, it was good company: New York, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
The biggest surprise by states was for Hawaii, luau, followed closely by Arkansas, with quesadilla, which would not have been my first, or last, guess. And, in case you missed it, the only two words misspelled in this blog are in the opening theme line, which is why we all need to agree that accuracy is Absolutely Necessary!