Fact of the Day: 20/12/2021

Have you and your friend ever argued about how to say “GIF”? Some people say “jif,” while others say “giff,” and maybe you and your friend fell into separate categories. Which one is the right pronunciation? According to Independent.co.uk, “Steve Wilhite, who invented the Gif file in 1987, told the New York Times that the word is pronounced “jif” not ‘giff’” (Vincent par. 2). Still, the debate is not settled. Advocates for the hard “G” pronunciation, including the White House, have continued to stand by “giff” (Gross par. 16).  So, it turns out that you and your friend are both right. Whether you call it “giff,” or “jif,” the meaning is still the same. Graphical Interface Format (GIF) files have entertained and will continue to entertain web users for much more time to come.

Reference(s):

• https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/gif-inventor-steve-wilhite-says-it-should-be-pronounced-jif-8626882.html
• https://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/22/tech/web/pronounce-gif/index.html 

Fact Author: Durga I.

Fact Editor: Ace

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