Marianne from Valdosta, Georgia, is stumped about how to pronounce the term bona fides. It means “authentic credentials,” as in literary bona fides, and comes from Latin bona fides, literally “good faith.” In the United States, it’s usually pronounced BOHN-uh FYE-deez and BOHN-uh-fydz. However, if at all possible, it’s best to avoid it altogether; as a Latin term adopted whole into English, chances are it will rub someone the wrong way. This is part of a complete episode.
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