Almost everyone over 50 knows the Ira and George Gershwin song written in 1937 and sung by Fred Astaire: “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off!” with the lyrics: You like “potayto” and I like potahto”….You like “tomayto and I like “tomahto”…..(Long A, Short A) For the song’s entire lyrics, go to www.theromantic.com/lovesongs/letscallthewholething off.htm.

George and Ira Gershwin capitalized on tomato’s dual pronunciation in this song, which has become a symbol surrounding disputes on pronunciation. According to www.http://en.wikipedia.or/wiki/tomato, this song’s lyrics have become an American slang term. By just saying “tomayto, tomahto,” people know you are being presented with two choices, neither of which makes any difference.

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