FYI. I find the origin interesting, with reference to expiation and atonement. Does anyone know why this might be? Is it from a pagan ritul or sacrifice which used to be made in this month?
Help me out if you know the answer!
Dictionary.com:
"Origin: before 1000; Middle English; Old English Februarius < Latin Februārius (mēnsis) expiatory (month), derivative of februa (plural) expiatory offerings; see -ary
Pronunciation note Many people try to pronounce February with both sounds. The common pronunciation 'fɛbyuˌɛri/[feb-yoo-er-ee], with the first /r/ replaced by /y/, is the result of dissimilation, the tendency of like sounds to become unlike when they follow each other closely. An additional influence is analogy with January. Although sometimes criticized, this dissimilated pronunciation of February is used by educated speakers and is considered standard."
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