“WFTRA” is the acronym for the “Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004.” When Congress provides a name for legislation, wouldn’t it be helpful if they would provide a pronunciation of the acronym as well? Because, depending upon where you are from, you hear a whole host of pronunciations. On this new acronym, my guess is that those in Pennsylvania would be inclined to call it “Wooftra” (“oo” sound of “wood”) since Pennsylvanians pronounce the word “water” as “wooder”. (No kidding, we really do.) However, those in the Midwest, might call it “Wahftra” (as in “watt”) since they pronounce “water” as “wahter.” Then there might be some who call it “Waftra” as in “raft” (likely Texans) or some who might call it “Wiftra” as in “whiff.” And then there are those who like to add a “ter-ra” to the end (regardless of how they pronounce the first syllable)–making the pronunciation of “WFTRA” three syllables–Wif-ter-ra.
If Congress won’t provide the answer, maybe the IRS could take it upon themselves to put us all out of our misery and issue some guidance on the proper pronunciation, so we won’t all be wondering: “How do you pronounce the acronym “WFTRA”?