The Evolution of 'Weekend' Spelling: A Journey Through Time
Is the correct spelling of 'weekend' weekend or week-end? This age-old question has sparked much debate among English speakers, writers, and linguists. Let's delve into the history and evolution of this now-common noun to understand why weekend has become the standard form of the word.
The History of 'Weekend'
Let's rewind to one of the most influential English texts, The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. According to Strunk and White, one-piece compound words often evolve from a two-part form, with a hyphen acting as a bridge. A prime example is the word 'weekend,' which once existed as week-end in its earlier stages.
Week-end had its origins in the French language, where it was the exact spelling when first borrowed into English. The Académie fran?aise, known for its influence on the French language, has long abandoned attempts to retain the hyphen in week-end. Much like in the case of connoisseur, where the old French spelling is preserved, weekend in modern English has become the predominant form.
The Hyphen's Journey
The significance of the hyphen in week-end cannot be understated. Hyphens were once used to indicate compound words, giving readers a hint that the parts are joined together. Over time, as week-end evolved into weekend, the hyphen gradually phased out. This evolution mirrors the transition of other compound words, such as 'week-day' becoming simply 'weekday.'
The Modern Usage
Today, weekend is the standard spelling and usage of this noun. It is used to denote the time between Friday evening and Monday morning, typically reserved for leisure and relaxation. For example:
I'm glad that it will soon be the weekend, and we can go fishing.
In this sentence, 'weekend' functions as a noun, representing a period of time. Compare this to the usage of week-end, which is more likely to appear as an adjective, modifying another noun. For example:
We enjoy our week-end hikes enormously.
In this case, 'week-end' describes the noun 'hikes,' emphasizing the nature of the event as taking place over the weekend.
The Transitional Period
Historically, the word 'weekend' was not always as commonly used as it is today. Before the 1950s, 'week-end' was the accepted form, and the introduction of weekend as a compound noun was met with resistance. In the words of Strunk and White, it was almost 'obscene' to use weekend. For instance, the sentence 'Where have you been for the weekend?' would have seemed strange and antiquated in the early 20th century, just as 'Who will be the garbage taker outer today?' would sound surreal to a modern audience.
It's worth noting that language is dynamic and constantly evolving. The transition from week-end to weekend was gradual, and now, weekend is deeply embedded in the English lexicon. However, this evolution didn't occur overnight....
The Current Dominance of 'Weekend'
Today, weekend is the overwhelmingly dominant form in modern English. To use week-end in writing would likely label you as old-fashioned or someone who favors outdated language. However, it would be a mistake to assume that weekend has always been the norm. In fact, there was a time when weekend was virtually unheard of, and its use would have been seen as a linguistic anachronism.
For a glimpse into the past, imagine a sentence written around the 1940s: 'Where have you been for the weekend?' This sentence would have been unimaginable two decades earlier, just as today, we would find it bizarre to say, 'Who will be the garbage taker outer today?' The use of weekend was so new and foreign that it would have been seen as a radical departure from traditional language norms.
However, as time passed, usage patterns changed, and by the 1950s, weekend had gained significant traction. Over the decades, it gradually replaced week-end, becoming the unassailable form we know today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both weekend and week-end were once acceptable spellings, but the hyphenated form has given way to the unhyphenated weekend. While weekend is the current standard, understanding the historical context can provide valuable insights into the evolution of the English language. As language continues to evolve, we can expect that some words and spellings will change over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of our linguistic practices.
Key Terms: Weekend, week-end, spelling evolution