Pronunciation Poise: Niche

You know you've always wondered what the best way to say this word.

What's the best way to pronounce "niche," in American English?

1. To rhyme with "kick"

2. To rhyme with "leash"

3. To rhyme with "Did ya?"

4. To rhyme with "ditch"

"Rhyme with 'ditch'" is the answer. Although the "leash" pronunciation isn't incorrect, the "ditch" pronunciation is older and more common, and it reflects the anglicized pronunciation the word took when taken from French, in the 1600s. The "leash" pronunciation, however, is the best and most common way to say this word in British English.