A Crayz Spelling

As a rule of thumb, the longer the word, the less glaring the spelling error. Misspell, say, colloquialism, and folks might not even notice. Butcher a four-letter word, however, and like an active submarine, you’ll be in deep water.

An error of such magnitude occurred Sept. 16, 2006. In a football game that day, Navy defeated Stanford 37-9. Late in the game, with the Midshipmen firmly in front, Navy’s coach sent in his backup kicker, Matthew Harmon, to attempt a 30-yard field goal.

Harmon, a sophomore, did his job, making his first collegiate field goal, but whoever made his uniform Navy blew it. The right letters were on active duty, but like an ensign swearing at an admiral, they were out of order.

Navy would have been wise to enlist an editor. What am I saying? No need to hire professional help. A 10-year-old could have told the team that NAYV, even though it sort of works if you sound it out, is a rank spelling.

NAYV? Nay. NAVY? Yes, I can put my mind at ease.