Opening Lines

THE word ‘GIF’ (or graphics interchange format) and the name ‘Steve Wilhite’ mean nothing to most people. The first is an internet acronym, the second the man who coined the term, 23 years ago.

You won’t be stunned when I tell you that Steve says it’s not pronounced “GIF”. It’s ‘JIF’. ‘Jifgate’ is leaving a bitter-lemon taste in the mouths of those who have been mispronouncing it for years.

Pronunciation correction is a sure way to lose friends and alienate people.