When we come across words that sound similar or are spelled similarly, it’s natural to wonder which one is correct, or if they both are. In English, this happens quite often, leading to confusion. This is the case with “pigeon” and “pidgeon.”
The correct spelling is pigeon. It refers to a type of bird that is often found in cities and known for its ability to find its way home. The misspelling “pidgeon” is a common error but is not accepted in standard English.
For example, you might say, “I saw a pigeon perched on the window ledge this morning.” This use showcases how to correctly incorporate the word into a sentence.
Understanding the Basics
Let’s start by getting to know the word more universally recognized—pigeon. What’s a pigeon? It’s a bird you’ve probably seen many times, strutting around city squares or quietly cooing from a rooftop. Now, what about “pidgeon”? Is it a different type of bird, or the same one with a unique twist on spelling?
What Does The Dictionary Say?
When in doubt, one of the easiest ways to clear up confusion is to look in a dictionary. A quick search in most English dictionaries makes one thing clear: the standard spelling recognized globally is “pigeon.” You won’t find “pidgeon” in most reputable dictionaries.
Where Does “Pidgeon” Come From?
You might wonder why some people write “pidgeon” if it’s not the correct form. Well, often, misspellings occur in English due to how the word sounds. English is not always phonetic, meaning we don’t always write it like it sounds. This can lead writers astray. It’s possible that the pronunciation of “pigeon,” which can sound like “pid-jin” to some ears, leads to the “pidgeon” spelling mistake.
How do you say “pigeon”?
The correct pronunciation of “pigeon” might help clear up why the misspelling occurs. It is said as “PID-jin”. Notice that you don’t really hear a ‘d’ sound in there. This could be why adding an extra ‘d’ in the spelling seems odd to many.
Common Mistakes and Clarifications
Sometimes, people think that different spellings correlate with different meanings or different types of the same animal. With animals, this is rarely the case. The name “pigeon” applies broadly to any of the hundreds of species in the bird family Columbidahead, which includes doves.
What about Varieties of Pigeons?
Perhaps you’re thinking, “Maybe ‘pidgeon’ refers to a specific species of pigeon?” That’s a good guess, but not the case here. Whether it’s a rock pigeon, a homing pigeon, or a fancy pigeon, the correct spelling remains “pigeon.”
A Look at Historical Usage
Is “pidgeon” a new way to spell pigeon, maybe a trendy version? Old books and texts can help us here, where we find that “pigeon” has been used consistently over centuries. No significant historical texts officially recognize “pidgeon” as an alternative spelling.
Real-World Examples
Still unsure? Let’s consider practical examples. Imagine you’re writing an email about a pigeon that made a nest near your window. You would write, “A beautiful pigeon has nested on my ledge.” You wouldn’t write “pidgeon” because spell check might underline it, suggesting a correction.
Or, perhaps you’re at a zoo or an animal sanctuary reading educational display signs. Those signs will refer to “pigeons,” not “pidgeons,” helping to confirm themost widely accepted spelling.
How Can You Remember the Correct Spelling?
To avoid mixing them up, remember this simple trick: The word “pigeon” includes the name of an element, “pie”, like the dessert. Just imagine a pigeon eating a slice of pie—it’s a silly image, but it might just help the correct spelling stick in your mind!
Final Thoughts
It’s clear now that “pigeon” is by far the most widely accepted and correct spelling. “Pidgeon,” while a common error, isn’t recognized in official dictionaries. English, with its twists and turns, often catches us out, but with a bit of practice and some helpful tricks, remembering the right spelling doesn’t have to be too tricky. Next time you write about these common city birds, you’ll be all set to spell their name correctly!
Making small mistakes in spelling is normal. Just like learning to tell different birds apart, it takes a bit of time and practice. Keep your eyes open, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time!Making small mistakes in spelling is normal. Just like learning to tell different birds apart, it takes a bit of time and practice. Keep your eyes open, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
