RE recent correspondence (HAS, Oct 12, 16 and 19), I admit not being aware of the “sic” rather than “sixth” pronunciation. I also admit that like many others my own diction may occasionally leave something to be desired.

However, I am most annoyed by certain mispronunciation of words, particularly on the BBC.

Listening to the business news on Radio 2 we are frequently told that the “pie’nd is dine” instead of the pound is down.

It is also on Radio 2 that no one admits to something – you now “fess up”. I do not propose a return to received pronunciation, which is equally as false, nor am I opposed to regional accents, but there is no excuse for incorrect or mispronunciation.

Graham Bull, Darlington.

LIKE Mrs J Stokeld (HAS, Oct 19), I too am driven mad by the regular mispronunciation of certain words. As well as “sixth/sic”, a couple of my pet hates are “bought” instead of “brought” and “drawring”

instead of “drawing”.

We hear these examples on TV most days. This is from supposedly well-educated people, so how can we possibly criticise our youngsters for their poor grammar when those who should be their peers set this kind of example?

Mrs Judy Watson, Northallerton, North Yorkshire.