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Are 'Funner' and 'Funnest' Real Words?

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Are 'Funner' and 'Funnest' Real Words?
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      Yes, "funner" and "funnest" are considered real words, though their usage comes with some nuances and a bit of a history. Here's a breakdown: "Fun" as an adjective: Historically, "fun" was primarily a noun (meaning enjoyment or amusement). However, over time, it became commonly used as an adjectiveRead more

      Yes, “funner” and “funnest” are considered real words, though their usage comes with some nuances and a bit of a history.

      Here’s a breakdown:

      • “Fun” as an adjective: Historically, “fun” was primarily a noun (meaning enjoyment or amusement). However, over time, it became commonly used as an adjective (“We had a fun time”). This shift wasn’t always met with approval by grammarians, but its adjectival use is now widely accepted and included in modern dictionaries.
      • Forming comparatives and superlatives: Once “fun” gained acceptance as an adjective, the question arose of how to form its comparative and superlative forms.
        • For many one-syllable adjectives (like “new,” “tall,” “quick”), you add “-er” for the comparative (“newer,” “taller,” “quicker”) and “-est” for the superlative (“newest,” “tallest,” “quickest”).
        • For longer adjectives, or those that sound awkward with “-er” or “-est,” you use “more” and “most” (“more beautiful,” “most interesting”).
      • The case of “funner” and “funnest”: Because “fun” is a one-syllable word, “funner” and “funnest” logically follow the pattern of adding “-er” and “-est.” And indeed, these forms have been in use for over a century.
      • Usage and Acceptance:
        • They are real words: Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster acknowledge “funner” and “funnest” as valid, often with a “sometimes” label, due to their widespread use in published and edited texts.
        • Informal vs. Formal: While grammatically sound, “funner” and “funnest” are generally considered informal. In formal writing or speech, “more fun” and “most fun” are still preferred and will likely sound more natural to many people.
        • Preference: Many people still prefer “more fun” and “most fun,” and using “funner” or “funnest” might strike some as peculiar or less refined.

      In summary, you can use “funner” and “funnest,” especially in informal contexts, and they are recognized by dictionaries. However, if you want to err on the side of caution or maintain a more formal tone, “more fun” and “most fun” are still the more widely accepted and common choices.

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