Is it stepdad, step-dad, or step dad?

DeadlyAccurate · 09-22-2006, 08:26 PM

Like the subject line says: stepdad, step-dad, or step dad? Neither dictionary.com nor m-w.com come up with an answer. Word doesn't like stepdad, but I can't tell if that means step-dad is the correct answer, or if it's just one of those cases where two complete words separated by a hyphen doesn't register on the spellchecker.

pash · 09-22-2006, 08:43 PM

Stepdad (from stepfather) is fine.

Word doesn't like it because it's colloquial/informal.

Mandy-Jane · 09-24-2006, 08:54 AM

I agree with pash. But I also think step-dad would be okay too. After all, it is two words joined together.

pash · 09-24-2006, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandy-Jane

I agree with pash. But I also think step-dad would be okay too. After all, it is two words joined together.

But it's been around for an awful long time. Such compounds normally lose the hyphen after long-term use, don't they?

Mandy-Jane · 09-24-2006, 11:05 AM

Do they? I really don't know. I just think both ways look okay. And I've seen it written both ways. You may be right.

September skies · 09-24-2006, 11:50 AM

In the AP Stylebook, it is stepdad (well, they mention stepfather)

newmod · 09-24-2006, 01:02 PM

According to Collins you can use both, although they list it with the spelling "stepfather".

Medievalist · 09-24-2006, 08:09 PM

On hypenation isn general, this is a style-sheet issue, more often than not; in other words, it's a matter of usage and not one of grammar.

Pick a dictionary and use what it uses; the publisher, if the editor sees fit, will change it if they have a different preference.

Stepdad/step-dad/step dad is not standard usage; I can't even find it in the Blessed American Heritage. Stepfather, however, is.

So I'd suggest just picking one, and being careful to use the same one all the time; standardization in such cases makes editors happy, even if you pick the "wrong" one to standarize on, since it's easily changed.

Stepdad

DeadlyAccurate · 09-26-2006, 04:57 AM

Just a quick thanks to everyone for your responses. I went with "stepdad."

Declan · 09-26-2006, 02:56 PM

Howdy,

If it was my mother, it would be..."say hello to your new uncle..."

Dec.

09-22-2006, 08:26 PM	#1
DeadlyAccurate Absolutely Fazed Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 2,536	Is it stepdad, step-dad, or step dad? Like the subject line says: stepdad, step-dad, or step dad? Neither dictionary.com nor m-w.com come up with an answer. Word doesn't like stepdad, but I can't tell if that means step-dad is the correct answer, or if it's just one of those cases where two complete words separated by a hyphen doesn't register on the spellchecker.

09-24-2006, 08:54 AM	#3
Mandy-Jane venturing ever further into the unknown Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: I will complete a play this year! I will! Posts: 3,263	I agree with pash. But I also think step-dad would be okay too. After all, it is two words joined together. __________________ When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt.

09-24-2006, 11:05 AM	#5
Mandy-Jane venturing ever further into the unknown Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: I will complete a play this year! I will! Posts: 3,263	Do they? I really don't know. I just think both ways look okay. And I've seen it written both ways. You may be right. __________________ When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt.

09-24-2006, 11:50 AM	#6
September skies cloud watching Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: under my September Skies in sunny California Posts: 2,879	In the AP Stylebook, it is stepdad (well, they mention stepfather) __________________ September Skies' Midnight Writings

09-24-2006, 08:09 PM	#8
Medievalist Cultus Gopherus MacAllister Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: þone þe in meoduhealle Posts: 22,678	On hypenation isn general, this is a style-sheet issue, more often than not; in other words, it's a matter of usage and not one of grammar. Pick a dictionary and use what it uses; the publisher, if the editor sees fit, will change it if they have a different preference. Stepdad/step-dad/step dad is not standard usage; I can't even find it in the Blessed American Heritage. Stepfather, however, is. So I'd suggest just picking one, and being careful to use the same one all the time; standardization in such cases makes editors happy, even if you pick the "wrong" one to standarize on, since it's easily changed. Stepdad __________________ About.Me iPad Projects AWers On Twitter My opinions are my own. \| Who else would want them? Last edited by Medievalist; 09-26-2006 at 05:18 AM.

09-22-2006, 08:43 PM	#2
pash Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 258	Stepdad (from stepfather) is fine. Word doesn't like it because it's colloquial/informal.

09-24-2006, 01:02 PM	#7
newmod practical experience, FTW Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Madrid Posts: 337	According to Collins you can use both, although they list it with the spelling "stepfather".

09-26-2006, 04:57 AM	#9
DeadlyAccurate Absolutely Fazed Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 2,536	Just a quick thanks to everyone for your responses. I went with "stepdad."

09-26-2006, 02:56 PM	#10
Declan New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 26	Howdy, If it was my mother, it would be..."say hello to your new uncle..." Dec.

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