wnuk [VNOOK] The pronunciation of this word (and that of wnuczka) hinges on a phonological rule in Polish that doesn't occur in English The rule is known as the Obstruent Sequencing Principle, and says that obstruents (consonant sounds made by impeding airflow coming from the lungs--basically all consonants except for "l", "r", "m" or "n") can be piled up with no limit at the very beginning or at the very end of a syllable Unless you've got a handle on Polish already, you've just got to memorize this word, folks Sorry Date of entry: 9 April 2000