lieutenant

[ivanovitch57]

why is the word lieutenant pronounced leftenant in the british army?

[Strauss]

In English the word is pronounced lef-TEN-ant, except in American English in which it is loo-TEN-ant. However, the Royal Navy and other Commonwealth navies traditionally pronounced the word as l'TEN-ant, though increasing usage of the usual pronunciation has all but extinguished this version. The American pronunciation was originally the same as the British, but by the end of the 19th century had almost completely been replaced by the current pronunciation.

In Canada and New Zealand lef-tenant is standard for all branches of the Armed Forces and for other usages such as lieutenant governor or Quebec lieutenant. Australia follows the British system, with the Royal Australian Navy officially using the different pronunciation.

The English pronunciation was prevalent during the 14th and 15th centuries with the word being variously spelled as lieftenant, lyeftenant or luftenant. It may have originated from a mistaken reading of the 'u' as a 'v', lev-tenant eventually becoming lef-tenant. Some sources state that the original French word lieu had an alternative form spelt and pronounced lieuf, and that the modern standard English form retains the former spelling and the latter pronunciation.

Another theory comes from the fact that in typical propriety the person or persons standing to the rear-left of a gentleman held power and were typically those directly second to him. The person or persons standing to the rear-right were considered to have no or less standing than those to the rear-left, such as aides, bodyguards, wives, etc., often holding this position for simple facility rather than societal importance. This tradition remains in military parades, with lieutenants standing to the rear-left of the commanding officer (when facing the advance.)