How is “route” pronounced?

I was taught that in English, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 having the “e” on the end changes the sound of the “ou” from the hard “ow” to the softer “oo”.

Americans pronounce “route” as “rowt “ but the English pronounce it as “root”.

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softspokenman · M

The word was always pronounced 'rowt'. In 1961 the Nat King Cole Trio produced a popular song: "Get Your Kicks on Route 66". The word 'rowt' didn't sound right so they changed it to "root". Later when the word Route came up in conversations some people became confused about the pronunciations. 🎶 Ta Daaa! 😉

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

@softspokenman Around here it's always pronounced "root".

KarenKC · 56-60, F

@softspokenman I've heard that song sung by the Rolling Stones, and they pronounce it like "Root 66". I've never heard it pronounced the other way.

Thrust · 56-60, M

@KarenKC

Ever hear Depeche Mode’s version? Excellent

[media=https://youtu.be/A8tefyk7Y6E]

KarenKC · 56-60, F

@Thrust I don't like Depeche Mode, but that's not as bad as their usual stuff. Part of it sounds like a rip-off of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man".

Thrust · 56-60, M

@KarenKC you’re right it does a little.

I saw ZZ TOP last summer. They opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Dusty came out for a few of Skynyrd's hits. Galactic guitar power!

KarenKC · 56-60, F

@Thrust Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top are both very popular around here. They are what is known as "hairy music". Lol :)

Thrust · 56-60, M

@KarenKC

I ❤ hairy music! 🎶