‘Ough’ A Fonetic Fansy
Today's spelling mistake is tomorrow's common usage. I first encountered the English language as an 11 year-old and it keeps changing and evolving through popular usage rather than academic decree. Very anarchic. No such thing as people "versing" each other in competition in '73.
Dellabeach's grammar pedantry in this article reminded me of an old poem by W T Goodge.
The baker man was kneading dough
And whistling softly sweet and lough.
Yet ever and anon he’d cough
As though his head was coming ough!
‘My word!’ said he, ‘but this is rough!
This flour is simply awful stough!’
He punched and thumped it through and through
As all good bakers always dough!
‘I’d sooner drive,’ said he, ‘ a plough,
Than be a baker anyhough!’
Thus spake the baker kneading dough;
But don’t let on I told you sough!