December 2, 2024

SQL vs SQL

Software people love to argue about certain things.

One of those things is how to say SQL out loud.

(For the non-software people, SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is a standard for accessing and manipulating databases.)

There are two accepted ways to pronounce SQL:

1. SEE-KWL (like it’s word)
2. ESS-CUE-EL (like it’s an acronym)

So...

If you sell stuff to software developers and you say SEE-KWL or you say ESS-CUE-EL in front of them, most will accept either pronunciation and continue to listen to your pitch.

However...

If you pronounce it SKÜLL, they’ll laugh you out of the room.

Here’s the thing...

Whatever your chosen target market is, they will probably have their own language, lingo, and jargon.

Using it properly is a good way to help them feel like you’re one of them.

But if you use it wrong, you will have proven yourself to be an outsider who probably can’t be trusted.

Make sure to get it right.

Yours,

—J

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