Usage
In most languages that use the Latin alphabet, ⟨U⟩ represents the close back rounded vowel /u/.
In English the letter is pronounced differently in different words. In closed syllables, it commonly represents /ʌ/ ("short U" as in duck) or /ʊ/ (as in put). In open syllables, it commonly represents /u(ː)/ (as in blue) or /ju(ː)/ ("long U" as in mule). Additionally, the letter U is used in text messaging and internet and other written slang to denote you, by virtue of both being pronounced .
In French the letter represents the close front rounded vowel; /u/ is represented by ⟨ou⟩.
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Famous quotes containing the word usage:
“I am using it [the word ‘perceive’] here in such a way that to say of an object that it is perceived does not entail saying that it exists in any sense at all. And this is a perfectly correct and familiar usage of the word.”
—A.J. (Alfred Jules)
“Girls who put out are tramps. Girls who don’t are ladies. This is, however, a rather archaic usage of the word. Should one of you boys happen upon a girl who doesn’t put out, do not jump to the conclusion that you have found a lady. What you have probably found is a lesbian.”
—Fran Lebowitz (b. 1951)
“Pythagoras, Locke, Socrates—but pages
Might be filled up, as vainly as before,
With the sad usage of all sorts of sages,
Who in his life-time, each was deemed a bore!
The loftiest minds outrun their tardy ages.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)