The phrase has haunted writers, speakers, and proofreaders for decades. It’s the kind of mistake that slips past even the sharpest eyes—until someone points it out, and suddenly, you’re left wondering: *Why does this sound so wrong?* The answer lies in a subtle but critical distinction between two nearly identical phrases: **"per say"** (the incorrect version) and **"per se"** (the correct one). The confusion isn’t just about spelling; it’s about the evolution of language, the quirks of Latin-derived terms, and how modern communication has warped our understanding of precision. Most people assume the error stems from a typo or a momentary lapse in concentration. But the truth is more fascinating: **"per say"** persists because of a cognitive shortcut. The brain hears *"per"* (meaning "by" or "according to") and instinctively pairs it with *"say"*—a word that sounds like it belongs there. Yet linguists and etymologists will tell you this pairing is a relic of mishearing, not correctness. The correct term, **"per se,"** carries a specific meaning rooted in Latin scholarship, and its misuse reveals deeper trends in how language adapts (or degrades) over time. What’s striking is how widely the mistake spreads. Politicians, journalists, and even academic papers occasionally fall into the trap, treating **"per say"** as interchangeable with **"per se."** This isn’t just a spelling error—it’s a symptom of how language evolves in real time, where convenience often trumps accuracy. The question isn’t *why* people get it wrong, but *how* to correct it before the phrase becomes permanently entrenched in modern English as a new standard. Because if **"per say"** catches on enough, future generations might look back and wonder: *Was this ever incorrect?*

The Complete Overview of How to Spell "Per Say" (And Why It’s Wrong)

The phrase **"per se"** is a Latin-derived term that means *"by itself"* or *"intrinsically."* It’s used to clarify that something is true of a thing *in and of itself*, without additional context. For example: > *"The law is unjust per se, regardless of how it’s applied."* This construction is precise, deliberate, and—when used correctly—elevates writing by adding nuance. The problem? **"Per say"** has become a viral mispronunciation, likely due to the way the phrase is spoken in casual conversation. The *"se"* sound in **"per se"** can blur into *"say"* when spoken quickly, especially in accents where the *"s"* at the end of words softens. This auditory ambiguity has turned a spelling mistake into a cultural phenomenon, one that’s now so common it’s almost a meme. The irony is that **"per say"** makes zero sense etymologically. *"Per"* is Latin for *"by"* or *"through,"* while *"say"* is an English verb meaning *"to speak."* There’s no logical connection between the two words in this context. Meanwhile, **"per se"** traces back to classical Latin, where *"per"* means *"by"* and *"se"* (from *"sē,"* the reflexive pronoun) means *"oneself."* Together, they form a cohesive unit: *"by oneself."* The mistake isn’t just a typo—it’s a failure of linguistic memory, where the brain prioritizes sound over structure.

Historical Background and Evolution

The term **"per se"** entered English in the 17th century, borrowed directly from Latin legal and philosophical texts. It was a term of precision, used to distinguish intrinsic qualities from extrinsic ones. For instance, a scholar might argue that *"a work of art is beautiful per se"* to mean its beauty isn’t dependent on external factors like fame or popularity. This usage was reserved for formal writing, where clarity and exactitude were paramount. Over time, as Latin phrases became more integrated into English, **"per se"** retained its scholarly tone but also seeped into everyday language—though always with the understanding that it was a deliberate, not casual, construction. The shift toward **"per say"** likely began in the 20th century, accelerated by oral communication. Radio broadcasts, telephone conversations, and later, television, made spoken language dominant over written precision. When **"per se"** was spoken aloud, the *"se"* sound often softened or was dropped entirely, especially in dialects where final consonants are less pronounced. The result? A natural but incorrect evolution: *"per say."* This wasn’t just a slip of the tongue—it was a linguistic adaptation, where the brain prioritized ease of articulation over accuracy. By the time the internet age arrived, the mistake had already taken root, spreading through memes, social media, and even formal settings where speakers assumed (incorrectly) that **"per say"** was the accepted form.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works (And Why It Fails)

The mechanics of the mistake are psychological as much as they are linguistic. When someone hears **"per se"** in conversation, their brain processes it in two stages: 1. **Auditory Processing:** The *"se"* sound is often reduced to *"say"* in fast speech, especially in accents where final consonants are weakened (e.g., General American English). 2. **Memory Reinforcement:** Once the mishearing occurs, the brain stores **"per say"** as the "correct" version, particularly if it’s repeated often enough. This is known as the *illusion of truth effect*—the more something is heard, the more it’s believed to be true. The failure lies in the disconnect between *spoken* and *written* language. **"Per say"** sounds natural in conversation but looks jarring on paper because it violates spelling rules. English spelling is already inconsistent, but **"per say"** violates even its own loose standards. There’s no word in English that combines *"per"* and *"say"* in this way, making the phrase a clear example of *non sequitur* spelling—a term that doesn’t follow logical or etymological rules. Worse, the mistake has now become a *meta-commentary* on language itself. Some linguists argue that **"per say"** might eventually be accepted as a new word, much like *"irregardless"* or *"alternative facts."* If enough people use it, dictionaries may one day include it—though that would likely come with a note marking it as non-standard. For now, however, **"per say"** remains a cautionary tale about how language bends under the pressure of casual speech.

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

Using **"per se"** correctly isn’t just about avoiding embarrassment—it’s about maintaining clarity and authority in writing. The phrase is a tool for precision, allowing writers to distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic qualities without ambiguity. For example: > *"The policy is flawed per se, not just in its implementation."* This sentence conveys that the policy’s flaws exist independently of how it’s executed. Replace *"per se"* with *"per say,"* and the meaning collapses into nonsense. The impact isn’t just semantic; it’s *rhetorical.* A well-placed **"per se"** can sharpen an argument, while a misused **"per say"** weakens it—or worse, makes the writer seem uneducated. The stakes are higher in professional settings. Lawyers, academics, and journalists rely on **"per se"** to convey technical distinctions. A misused phrase can undermine credibility, especially when the error is as glaring as this one. Yet the persistence of **"per say"** suggests that many speakers don’t realize they’re making a mistake—or don’t care. This reflects a broader trend in modern communication: a growing tolerance for *functional* over *correct* language. As long as the meaning is understood, some argue, spelling doesn’t matter. But that’s a dangerous precedent.

*"Language is not a static monument; it’s a living, breathing organism that changes with every speaker. But when convenience trumps correctness, we risk losing the precision that makes language powerful."* — **John McWhorter, linguist and Columbia University professor**

Major Advantages

Using **"per se"** correctly offers several distinct advantages:

• Precision in Argumentation: The phrase allows for exact distinctions, such as separating inherent qualities from contextual ones. Without it, writers must rely on clumsier phrases like *"in itself"* or *"by nature."*
• Authority and Formality: **"Per se"** carries a scholarly tone, making it ideal for academic, legal, or professional writing. **"Per say"** lacks this gravitas, sounding informal or even ignorant.
• Avoiding Ambiguity: Misusing **"per say"** can lead to confusion, as the phrase has no established meaning. **"Per se,"** on the other hand, is universally understood in its correct context.
• Cultural Literacy: Recognizing the difference signals attention to detail—a trait valued in education, business, and leadership.
• Future-Proofing Your Writing: As language evolves, some non-standard terms may gain acceptance. But **"per se"** remains the gold standard. Using it correctly ensures your writing stays aligned with traditional norms.

Comparative Analysis

| **Correct Usage ("Per Se")** | **Incorrect Usage ("Per Say")** | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------| | *"The law is unjust per se."* (Meaning: inherently unjust) | *"The law is unjust per say."* (Meaningless; sounds like a typo) | | Used in formal writing (legal, academic, philosophical) | Common in casual speech, often due to mishearing | | Derived from Latin (*"per"* = by, *"se"* = oneself) | No etymological basis; purely a spelling error | | Reinforces precision and authority | Undermines credibility; may indicate carelessness | | Example: *"The argument holds per se."* | Example: *"The argument holds per say."* (Incorrect) |

Future Trends and Innovations

The battle between **"per se"** and **"per say"** may soon reach a turning point. As younger generations grow accustomed to hearing **"per say"** in media, podcasts, and social interactions, the line between *mistake* and *accepted variation* could blur. Some linguists predict that **"per say"** may eventually be included in dictionaries as a colloquial or informal alternative—though likely with a note indicating it’s non-standard. This would mirror the fate of words like *"irregardless"* or *"literally"* (which has shifted from meaning *"exactly"* to *"emphatically"*). However, the resistance from traditionalists remains strong. Organizations like the *Merriam-Webster Dictionary* and *Oxford English Dictionary* have so far refused to legitimize **"per say,"** arguing that it lacks historical precedent. The debate highlights a broader cultural tension: *Should language adapt to convenience, or should it preserve precision?* For now, **"per se"** remains the correct choice for formal writing, while **"per say"** persists as a reminder of how easily language can be misused—even by those who should know better.

Conclusion

The story of **"per say"** is more than just a spelling lesson—it’s a microcosm of how language evolves. What starts as a minor error can, through repetition and cultural inertia, become a widespread phenomenon. The key takeaway isn’t just to memorize the correct spelling, but to recognize the forces that shape language: convenience, mishearing, and the gradual erosion of standards. **"Per se"** may always be the *correct* term, but **"per say"** could very well become the *accepted* one—if enough people stop caring about the difference. For writers, speakers, and anyone who values clarity, the lesson is clear: pay attention to the details. Language is a living thing, but that doesn’t mean it should be allowed to decay without resistance. The next time you hear someone say **"per say,"** you’ll know it’s not just a typo—it’s a symptom of a larger trend. And whether you choose to correct it depends on whether you believe in the power of precision.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Why does "per say" sound correct to so many people?

A: The mishearing stems from how **"per se"** is spoken in fast conversation. The *"se"* sound often blends into *"say,"* especially in accents where final consonants are softened. Once the brain registers **"per say,"** it becomes the "correct" version through repetition—a phenomenon called the *illusion of truth effect.*

Q: Is "per say" ever acceptable in formal writing?

A: No. **"Per say"** is a spelling error with no etymological basis. In formal contexts—academic papers, legal documents, professional correspondence—**"per se"** is the only correct choice. Using **"per say"** would undermine credibility and could be seen as careless or uneducated.

Q: Will "per say" ever be considered correct in dictionaries?

A: Possibly, but not yet. Some linguists predict it may gain informal acceptance over time, especially if younger generations continue to use it. However, major dictionaries like *Merriam-Webster* and *Oxford* currently reject it, citing lack of historical precedent. For now, it remains a non-standard variation.

Q: What’s the origin of "per se"?

A: **"Per se"** comes from Latin, where *"per"* means *"by"* or *"through,"* and *"se"* (from *"sē,"* the reflexive pronoun) means *"oneself."* Together, they translate to *"by itself"* or *"intrinsically."* The phrase entered English in the 17th century, borrowed from legal and philosophical texts.

Q: How can I remember the correct spelling?

A: Think of **"per se"** as a *Latin phrase*—it’s not English, so it shouldn’t be spelled like one. A helpful mnemonic is to associate it with *"per se"* meaning *"by itself,"* and remember that *"say"* doesn’t fit. If you’re a visual learner, write it out repeatedly: *"per se, per se, per se"* until it sticks.

Q: Are there other commonly misused Latin phrases like "per se"?

A: Yes. Some notable examples include:

• **"Alot"** (incorrect; it’s *"a lot"*)
• **"Nauseous"** (means *"causing nausea";* *"nauseated"* means *"feeling sick"*)
• **"Literally"** (now often used hyperbolically, e.g., *"I literally died"*)
• **"Et cetera"** (often mispronounced as *"ex cetera"*)

These mistakes highlight how Latin-derived terms can be particularly tricky in English.

Q: What’s the best way to correct someone who says "per say"?

A: Approach it diplomatically. Instead of saying *"That’s wrong,"* try: > *"I think you mean ‘per se’—it’s Latin for ‘by itself.’"* This educates without shaming. If the person is resistant, ask: > *"Do you mean the phrase is true in itself, or just in general?"* This often clarifies the confusion naturally.

Q: Can "per say" be used in creative writing?

A: It depends on the tone and intent. In dialogue or informal narratives, **"per say"** could be used deliberately to reflect a character’s lack of education or to emphasize a mistake. However, in expository or polished prose, **"per se"** should always be the default. Creative writers often use *"per say"* ironically to highlight ignorance or humor.

Q: Why do some people argue that "per say" is just a natural evolution of language?

A: Proponents of this view argue that language is fluid and adapts to speakers’ needs. If enough people use **"per say,"** it may eventually be accepted as a colloquial variant—similar to how *"irregardless"* persists despite being non-standard. Critics counter that this risks losing precision, especially in contexts where clarity matters (e.g., law, science). The debate reflects a broader tension between linguistic purism and adaptability.