Herb (Was Re: Harry and Hairy - The Difference.)

[Goddlefrood]

> > > Goddlefrood:
> > > Anyway, what I'd like to know from our American friends is 
> > > why on earth do you not pronounce the h in herb.

> Ali:
> What I want to know is why Herb, the name, doesn't have a silent
> h.  Why the difference?  

Goddlefrood:

In the same vein, why call anyone Herb at all?

> Ali:
> Anyway, as far as I can remember, the original pronunciation 
> of herb, being originally a French (Anglo-French according to 
> Merriam-Webster?) word, is actually sans h. 

Goddlefrood:

The exact source, if you please. It wouldn't explain why the 
French spell it herbe, at least they do in France itself. They 
may pronounce it otherwise, however the spelling is as in English 
with an extra e.

Goddlefrood, off to have lunch amongst the herbs.