W, the Vowel

[This Baron of Mora]

Here's something interesting I learned:

Through great chance I have found that Elementary School teachers get it wrong, the vowels are not a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y, they are a, e, i, o, u, sometimes y, and rarely w. No I am not kidding W is a vowel in the English language (sometimes). Well actually this only occurs in English words that come from Welsh, but they are still in the English Dictionary. Interestingly W was used as a vowel in English in the 15th and 16th Centuries and now can be considered a semi-vowel

Here are some words using w as a vowel (pronounced as a u):
-crwth, a Welsh violin-like instrument
-cwtch, a hiding place
-cwn, deep hallow of a mountain (can be spelled coombe, combe, or comb)


Please note: W is not considered by many (who actually know of this status) to be considered a "sometimes vowel" despite being of the same (though less common) nature as y.

[fluke]

I was taught sometimes Y and even less sometimes W. However, no one was ever able to give me an example of when W worked as a vowel. Thank you!

[Kristen]

Yes! It's literally a double-U.

[Bethany J.]

Neat! I did not know that! However, I did study Welsh in school. (Mostly because of Tolkien. Heehee.) It's a beautiful language!