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In May 2020, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his partner, musician Claire Boucher, popularly known as Grimes, welcomed their first child together. However, the couple’s decision to name their baby boy “X Æ A-12” left many people scratching their heads, wondering how to pronounce such a unique and unconventional name. In this guide, we will explore the various elements of the name and attempt to shed some light on its pronunciation.
Let’s start with the first part of the name, “X Æ.” The “X” is pronounced as the letter itself, “eks.” The “Æ” is a letter borrowed from the Danish and Norwegian alphabet, known as “ash.” In English, it is typically pronounced as “eh” or “ay.” Therefore, when combining the two, it becomes “eks-eh.”
Moving on to the second part of the name, “A-12,” things become a little more complex. According to Elon Musk, the “A” stands for “Archangel,” which is among his favorite aircraft models. The number “12” represents the precursor to the SR-71, which Musk considers the “coolest” spy plane ever. When pronouncing the second part, it is important to remember that each element is distinct. So, it would be pronounced as “Archangel-12” or “A-twelve.”
Now, let’s put it all together. The full name is pronounced as “eks-eh Archangel-12” or “eks-eh A-twelve.” It is noteworthy that the name doesn’t follow traditional naming conventions, making it quite challenging to pronounce for those accustomed to more conventional names. However, it’s important to respect the couple’s decision and approach it with an open mind.
It’s worth mentioning that Elon Musk and Grimes themselves have given slightly different variations of the pronunciation. Grimes, in a tweet, clarified that “X” should be pronounced as “eks,” like the letter, while Musk mentioned during a podcast that the name sounds like “X-Ash-A-twelve.” So, there might still be some differences and debate regarding the exact pronunciation.
Despite the controversy and confusion surrounding the name, it has sparked interesting discussions about personal expression and the boundaries of traditional naming. Elon Musk mentioned in an interview that the name represents “the unknown variable” and “artificial intelligence combined with human intellect.” It seems that the couple wanted to instill deeper meaning and symbolism into their child’s name.
As with any unique or unconventional name, it may take a while for people to become accustomed to hearing and properly pronouncing “X Æ A-12.” It is crucial to remain respectful and open-minded when encountering unfamiliar names, as cultural diversity and personal expression are key components of our society.
In conclusion, Elon Musk and Grimes’ choice of name for their baby boy, “X Æ A-12,” has sparked curiosity and confusion among many. While the exact pronunciation may still be subject to debate, it is generally pronounced as “eks-eh Archangel-12” or “eks-eh A-twelve.” As we navigate through this unusual name, let us embrace the spirit of diversity and appreciate the significance it holds for the parents.
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