Message: "Question for Australians on pet form for Megan"

[Opinions] Question for Australians on pet form for Megan

by clevelandkentevans

4/21/2022, 4:12 PM

For a book club I am part of I am reading a novel by an Australian author set in Australia. The main character in this novel is called Megan.

I know that in Australia Megan is usually pronounced with the first syllable rhyming with "me" or "see". However, in this book Megan's best friend and husband both frequently address her as "Megs".

Would "Megs" rhyme with "legs" or "leagues" in Australia? And is it a common pet form for Megan there?

Thanks!

#pronunciation

Replies

- Suzanne146 (guest) +3

4/22/2022, 1:20 AM

I'm Aussie and I would definitely pronounce Megan as mee-gan but shorten it to Megs rhyming with legs.

What can I say, we're a contrary bunch!

- Lumi

4/23/2022, 10:13 AM

I third this! I would say that "Meg" (rhyming with leg) is more common than "Megs" but us Aussies definitely use Megs and rarely Megsy.

- Pink Princess

4/22/2022, 5:23 PM

I second this!

- clevelandkentevans

4/22/2022, 6:59 AM

Thanks! This of course is not the only example of people using a different vowel sound in a pet form than they do in the full formal name. Jim as the pet form of James is one of the most prominent examples

- Amphelise (Chrisell)

4/21/2022, 4:21 PM

I have heard Megan (mee-gan) shortened to ‘Meegs’ before, but I have never seen it written down with any spelling. I would assume that the author intended Megs to be pronounced Meegs though.

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