How Do You Actually Pronounce “Vegan?” Hint: Not Like Trump Does

Donald Trump recently announced that he would try vegan food for the first time, but mispronounced the word as "vay-gan" instead of "vee-guhn." While Trump's dietary preferences are well-known, this announcement sparked discussion about the correct pronunciation of the word "vegan." Derived from the word "vegetarian," the general pronunciation is with two syllables: "VEE-guhn," with the first syllable emphasized more than the second.

The term "vegan" was invented in 1944 by animal-rights activist Donald Watson, who co-founded The Vegan Society. The word was created to distinguish people who don't consume dairy or eggs, in addition to meat, from traditional vegetarians. The official definition of veganism has evolved over the years, emphasizing the exclusion of all forms of animal exploitation. Today, the word "vegan" is used globally to describe individuals who avoid animal products in all aspects of their lives.