How to Pronounce Impetigo

Impetigo is pronounced im-peh-TY-goh. Break it into four syllables: im (rhymes with "him"), peh (like "pet" without the t), TY (rhymes with "tie"), and goh (like "go"). The stress falls on the third syllable, TY, so it sounds like you're emphasizing that middle part of the word.

Many people mistakenly stress the first syllable and say IM-puh-tee-go, or they rush through it as im-PET-i-go. The correct version puts the emphasis on TY in the third position: im-peh-TY-goh.

Impetigo has four syllables: im-peh-TY-goh. Saying it slowly, syllable by syllable, can help you remember the correct pronunciation.

Impetigo comes from the Latin word "impetere," which means "to attack" or "to assail." The name makes sense because this condition appears suddenly on the skin and spreads quickly from one area to another.

There isn't really a common everyday name for impetigo like there is for some other conditions. It's best to just use the medical term impetigo, or you could describe it as a contagious bacterial skin infection that causes crusty sores.

Yes! The word "impetus" also comes from the Latin root "impetere." Both words relate to the idea of something forceful or sudden—impetus means a driving force, while impetigo refers to an infection that attacks suddenly.

Here's an example: "The doctor explained that impetigo is a common skin condition in young children." Another way: "My neighbor mentioned her son had impetigo, which is why she kept him home from school."

Think of it this way: the word has a strong beat on the third syllable—im-peh-TY-goh—with the emphasis on TY. If you say it like "im-peh-TY-goh" with a clear accent on that third part, you'll have it right every time.