The question of whether “funner” is a correct word or not has been debated by grammarians and language enthusiasts. The usage and history of the word “funner” have been explored, and arguments for and against its validity have been presented.
Most dictionaries do not recognize “funner” as a standard English word. However, the absence of a word in a dictionary does not necessarily mean it is incorrect. Language is constantly evolving, and new words are added to the lexicon all the time.
Those who support the use of “funner” argue that it is a natural and logical extension of the word “fun.” They suggest that if “bigger” and “faster” can be used instead of “more big” and “more fast,” respectively, then “funner” should also be used instead of “more fun.” They also point out that other comparative forms of adjectives are formed by adding “-er,” such as “smarter,” “prettier,” and “taller.”
Moreover, there are historical precedents for the use of “funner.” In the early 1900s, respected writers such as H.G. Wells and P.G. Wodehouse used the word “funner.” Wodehouse’s 1924 novel “The Heart of a Goof” contains the sentence, “It’s a good bit funner than sitting in the bath, don’t you know.” This suggests that “funner” has been in use for a long time.
On the other hand, those who oppose the use of “funner” argue that it is an informal and non-standard word. They point out that most grammar and style guides recommend using “more fun” instead of “funner” in formal writing. For instance, the Chicago Manual of Style advises against the use of “funner.” Additionally, they suggest that the use of more precise and elegant words is preferable. For example, instead of saying “This amusement park is funner than the other one,” one could say “This amusement park is more enjoyable than the other one.” The latter sentence conveys a more precise meaning and sounds more formal and sophisticated.
In conclusion, the debate over whether “funner” is a correct word or not is ongoing. While there are historical precedents for its use, it is generally considered informal and non-standard. The choice of whether to use “funner” or “more fun” depends on the context and the audience. In informal settings, such as casual conversations or social media posts, the use of “funner” may be acceptable. However, in formal writing or situations where more precise language is required, it is better to use “more fun” or other more precise words.