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Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000 09:21:30 -0800
From: Chip Hayes <jwhayes@attglobal.net>
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Subject: Re: Doughnuts and donuts
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Alan...

Both are acceptable varients.   Like catsup and ketchup, the proper image is
conveyed despite the spelling differences.

Personally, I've always spelled it doughnut, but one sees both spellings with
about equal frequency in the States.

Happy New Year.

Chip Hayes


Alan Trewartha wrote:

> If I describe something as shaped like a donut, I think everyone in N America
> will know I mean ring-with-a-hole/torus. If I said "doughnut" would people
> think I'm a crazy english person? Would they stop assuming the torus shape?
> What about British people, would they assume that because I've spelled it
> "donut" that it's not a "doughnut" (round ball), but Homer's staple diet.
>
> Will "donut-shaped" point even the most obtuse british person to assume a
> ring with a hole, because i would have said "ball" if I meant simply round
> blob?

