The P in P-Set is Silent

By Editorial Board

Nov. 16, 2014

We realize that at the University of Chicago, stress can get to you. There are classes to take, midterms for which to study, student groups in which to participate, and internships to which you have to apply. It’s amazing that any of us are able to keep up with all this activity and still have the energy or time to think clearly.

But none of this is any excuse to pronounce the “P” in P-Set.

There is a longstanding precedent in the English language for a silent “P.” Take the word “p-sychology.” Anyone possessing even a passing familiarity with our spoken tongue would recognize that this is pronounced with an “s” sound, skipping the “p” entirely. And it doesn’t take a p-sychologist to see that we are far too p-smart to overlook this p-simple detail.

It’s pronounced set. Just “set.”

Why is the “P” silent? This editorial board p-suggests we take a look at the etymology of the word. We are not p-scholars, but even a cursory review of the available information finds that p-set comes from the greek “psekt,” meaning “thing to be complained about,” or “bad marrow.” The first recorded usage of the word in English comes from the Yale College of Arts and P-Sciences in 1840. In context, “I cannot attend, for I am preoccupied with the largest of p-sets.”

Again, if you read this aloud, you p-should p-say ssset, with an “s” p-so that it sounds correct.

The Pshady Dealer is committed to p-spreading awareness, p-so that we can p-sound as p-sharp-witted as we are. We don’t mean to p-scold, just to p-serve. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have an hessay to write.