Write that Wrong: Freight or Fright
By: Karem Maldonado
What could be more unsettling than confusing “freight” and “fright”? The true terror lies in not knowing the difference.
“Freight,” pronounced /freɪt/ (like “freyt”), refers to goods or cargo transported through various methods. It encompasses the movement of tangible items from one place to another for commercial purposes.
On the other hand, “fright,” pronounced /fraɪt/ (like “frite”), captures the sudden jolt of fear or shock — like the anxiety I feel at the thought of mispronouncing something in a social setting.
My brain processes freight and fright much like it would a tongue twister, but the emotional weight of their meanings shifts dramatically. This playful wordplay serves as a profound reflection on the burdens we carry and the fears we confront.
Growing up in a Texas border town and learning English as a second language, I often struggle with insecurities about my pronunciation and enunciation, which sometimes leads me to be more reserved and hold back in conversations. Sometimes, I wish I had a thicker accent to mask my pronunciation anxieties. This emotional freight can be paralyzing, especially in social situations.
Just recently, I mispronounced “recreational,” saying “ree-creational” with a long “e” sound. I was mortified to realize the correct pronunciation is “rek-ree-AY-shun-uhl,” with a short “e.”
This fear of mispronouncing words can intensify social anxiety for anyone. Yet, it can also act as a catalyst for growth, encouraging us to face our fears and build resilience amid discomfort. While perhaps becoming a press secretary and delivering public speeches isn’t in my future, I find solace in writing. Here, I can express myself without the fear of mispronouncing a word, and for that, I am grateful.
