Tech terminology can be tricky to pronounce - even native English speakers debate words like "GIF." This guide covers the most common tech terms and their accepted pronunciations, so you can speak confidently in technical environments.
The Great Debates: Controversial Pronunciations
These words have multiple accepted pronunciations:
GIF - Graphics Interchange Format
Verdict: Both are acceptable! /ɡɪf/ (hard G) is more common, but the creator says /dʒɪf/ (soft G).
SQL - Structured Query Language
Verdict: "Sequel" /ˈsiːkwəl/ is more common in the US; spelling it out is also accepted.
Programming Languages
Acronyms and Initialisms
Pronounced as Words
Spelled Out (Initialisms)
Common Tech Terms
Software and Tools
Commonly Mispronounced Tech Words
| Word | Wrong | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| cache | /kætʃ/ or /kætʃeɪ/ | /kæʃ/ (rhymes with "cash") |
| Linux | /ˈlaɪnəks/ | /ˈlɪnəks/ (short i) |
| meme | /meɪmeɪ/ or /miːmiː/ | /miːm/ (one syllable) |
| Adobe | /əˈdoʊb/ | /əˈdoʊbi/ (3 syllables) |
| GUI | /ˌdʒiː juː ˈaɪ/ | /ˈɡuːi/ (gooey) |
| char | /tʃɑːr/ | /kær/ (in programming context) |
Quick Reference by Category
| Pronounced as Word | Spelled Out |
|---|---|
| GIF, GUI, SCSI, ASCII | API, URL, HTML, CSS |
| SQL (sequel), JSON | HTTP, HTTPS, FTP |
| WYSIWYG, BIOS | CPU, GPU, RAM, ROM |
When in doubt at a new job, listen to how your colleagues say these terms - tech culture varies by company and region!