One of the easiest ways to check the spelling of a word is to type it in a text editor. As a rule, if there is an error in the term, the program will point to it. However, there are times when this method does not work. For example, as with the word "putty" (or "putty"). How to describe it correctly? Indeed, in most programs, both options are recognized as correct. Let's deal with this problem, and also find out why it even occurred.
What is a putty (or putty) of walls?
In order to better understand the essence of the issue, it is worth finding out the meaning of the noun in question.
So, putty (putty) is called the process of leveling any flat surface by applying a homogeneous mixture to it. In the predominant majority of cases, it is carried out to align the walls in the premises during repair.
However, there is a similar process in painting (primer on the canvas), as well as cooking (leveling the surface of the cake before “covering” it with mastic). Moreover, in both areas even similar tools are used.
It is also worth remembering that putty (putty) is also called the mixture itself, used to smooth out irregularities on the surface of the walls.
Such substances are produced in different compositions (gypsum, cement, mineral, etc.). Also, such mixtures are divided into main and finish. The first consists of larger particles and is applied in a thick layer to hide all the roughnesses and imperfections of the walls. In the composition of the second, on the contrary, they are the smallest components and they are applied with a thin layer to give the surface a "marketable" appearance.
How to putty or putty according to the norms of the modern language?
Having figured out the meaning of the considered noun, it is worthwhile to find out the way of writing it.
So, what’s right: putty or putty
The correct answer is both options. Since at the moment in Russian these terms are considered equivalent. Therefore, you can safely say so and so.
However, among professional repairmen, the “t” variant is still more common - putty.
The origin of the word "putty"
Having figured out what is right: putty or putty (both options are correct), it is worthwhile to find out why this confusion arose and why professionals still prefer the “t” option.
It's all about the etymology of the term. The putty option was the first name of this process and was formed from the name of the tool used for it - the putty knife.
This is the name of a metal, plastic or silicone flat plate, by conducting which a thick mass can smooth the surface and remove excess.
In addition to the difference in the materials of which the spatula is made, this item also varies in design and field of use. In addition to construction, there are pastry spatulas, as well as intended for the work of artists.
Etymology of the word "putty"
Knowing what is right: putty or putty (you can do this and that), it is worth considering the origin of the second variant of writing. This will help to understand why it is less loved by professional builders.
So, the word "putty" was formed from the name of the material "tow" (coarse linen or hemp fiber, which is a waste in the manufacture of fabrics).
In the old days, it was used for driving cracks in huts, barrels or various types of boats. For greater strength, hemp was impregnated with resin, which gave it also moisture resistance.
Today (when most of the buildings are made of brick and concrete) there is practically no need to tow or caulk (the so-called process of driving tow gaps). At the same time, the happy owners of wooden baths continue to use this method to insulate the premises.
As for the term "putty", it arose at a time when ordinary peasants (accustomed to towing huts) began to be very actively hired to build houses for the rich.
Hearing the word “putty”, they out of habit change it in their own way with the letter “k” (after all, in essence, the goal of both processes is the same - to correct surface imperfections). A similar pronunciation quickly spread and began to be used in speech along with putty. And in the twentieth century. and at all became its synonym and was included in most dictionaries.
Are there any other spellings of this term?
Having dealt with the question: “How to: putty or putty?”, As well as finding out why both options are correct, you should ask: “And were there other ways to write this noun?”
It turns out that they were, or rather was - the word "spade", which is the norm of the Russian language until the middle of the 19th century.
The fact is that the "progenitor" of the putty - the noun "spatula" was borrowed from the German language from the term Spatel. However, the Germans also had another way of writing it, through "d" - Spadel. In this regard, many builders of German descent, as well as persons who have lived abroad for a long time, often called the process "putty." Moreover, this form was no less common than "putty", and therefore fell into the Dahl dictionary.
However, by the middle of the nineteenth century. gradually she was driven out of speech. For this reason, when studying the question: "How to: putty or putty?" the option "putty" is even being considered, because according to modern standards it is erroneous.