The CORRECT way to pronounce 'PANNIER' (NOT what you think!)

Pannier is one of the most mispronounced words in the bicycling lexicon and its origins are often misunderstood. Where does the word come from? Is it a French or English word? What is the correct pronunciation? We settle it once and for all in this video and get a little help from Merriam-Webster.

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[veloboy]

As both a cyclist and a language enthusiast, I’ve gotta say this was one of the most enjoyable videos I’ve seen lately.

[Justin-zvcm]

One word. Two men. 13 minutes. Never before would I have thought that this would be a successful video formula. Well done!

[shreddagorge]

Growing up in Boston we pronounced it "bike bag."

[anthonysuarez]

Great Video. The awesome Lexicon guy needs his own channel ASAP!

[peter_smyth]

Great video. It's also worth remembering dictionaries didn't come about to dictate what language people should use, but to record what they already do use.

[joachimmacdonald]

Hmm, interesting - I’ve always pronounced it “pannier”

[richardhasler]

Hi Russ, Peter Sokolowski was a joy to listen to. Not only very knowledgeable, funny but modest and made the subject really interesting! So nice to hear a non-judgmental expert opinion in a world that is full of judgments, which are often poorly informed and overblown with ego. Kindest regards to you and Peter.

[TheOldPotato]

Ive only ever heard it pronounced the french way "pan-yay" after working at a bike shop for close to 8 years. I do live in canada tho aha cool to learn the history of it!

[trekker]

Good job, Russ. As a native French speaker from Quebec, (a stubborn bastion of French in North America), this topic was very well handled. People often forget that regional dialects plus time, shift word pronunciation considerably.

[danielbum]

You turned an incredibly pretentious argument into a fascinating video.. bravo! Big thanks to Peter Sokolowski.

[tedder]

he literally wrote the french dictionary! you found the perfect person. love that he talks about "panny-er" and "panyear" for this. at the end it sounds like you said "payn-er".


as an internet pedant, great job putting this vid together, Russ.

[billsalina]

When I was slightly younger, back in the 60’s and 70’s, my best friend was from England. His parents were from France and Belgium and all three of them spoke English, French, and Flemish. We were both avid cyclists. I was taught by them to pronounce it as “pan-yay” probably because that’s how our favorite cyclist (the great Belgian rider Eddy Merckx) pronounced it. I think if you asked someone in one of the French speaking countries, even today, how to pronounce that word (and included a photo of an actual pannier, to provide context) they would tell you it’s definitely pronounced “pan-yay”. But when used in English speaking countries, I think this video is 100% on the mark! Great job!

[sandrochiavaroBeerCircles]

I am so happy you made this video. Really well done The suspense builds up so high 👌🏽

[bentoomey]

So I guess the joke goes, "how do the French say 'pannier'? Sacoche."

[iwdbuckley]

This was so interesting! As a Canadian, I've only ever heard panniers said with the French pronunciation. I'd be curious to hear a Quebecois' take on the debate since Quebec French has a evolution distinct from France's french, which dates back to the 17th C. Also, companion has become my new favourite word.

[stink]

This might be your best work yet! I work in a shop and people always ask what is the correct way to say it, now I have a definitive answer and I can direct people to this video. Informative and entertaining. Thank you! I am going to buy some patches now.

[mardiffv.]

In my language, Dutch, we use the words: BICYCLE BAG(S). Simple and covers every bag, from small to large. No matter where it is mounted on the bike: rack, front wheel, handle bars.

[thetierbridge]

The word “pannier” also has a third meaning in railroad terminology. A “pannier” is a steam locomotive that carries water in tanks attached to the sides of the boiler. I’ve never heard anyone using it in that context say anything else except “pan-e-er”, even though that style of train originates from Belgium.

[MsRotorwings]

Never imagined I'd meet a lexicographer on this channel. Loved your approach to the topic, lighthearted and enlightening at the same time. And the evolution and American adaptation of the word "peloton"...fascinating. Thanks Russ!

[mshanem]

This is how you pronounce it "bags"