Spoilers for Wednesday 29th January 2025 (Series 91, Heat 18)

[Gavin Chipper]

First numbers - (50×4-3)×5-8+1=978. I expect Rachel will give this solution after the break...

[Gavin Chipper]

She didn't.

[Philip A]

Minor error: ‘costumer’ is an American spelling of ‘costumier’, so ‘costumer’ is not valid.

[Gavin Chipper]

Is it specified as a spelling because being pronounced with an extra i it seems more like a different word.

[Philip A]

Is it specified as a spelling because being pronounced with an extra i it seems more like a different word.

Yes.

costumier
Pronunciation: /kɒˈstjuːmɪə/
(also US English costumer Pronunciation: /kɒˈstjuːmə/)

Google’s Gemini also says it’s an American spelling.

[Gavin Chipper]

Is it specified as a spelling because being pronounced with an extra i it seems more like a different word.

Yes.

costumier
Pronunciation: /kɒˈstjuːmɪə/
(also US English costumer Pronunciation: /kɒˈstjuːmə/)

Google’s Gemini also says it’s an American spelling.

But it doesn't use the word "spelling". What does it say for an alternative US term rather than spelling? Or would it just not have it under the same entry?

[Fiona T]

Is it specified as a spelling because being pronounced with an extra i it seems more like a different word.

Yes.

costumier
Pronunciation: /kɒˈstjuːmɪə/
(also US English costumer Pronunciation: /kɒˈstjuːmə/)

Google’s Gemini also says it’s an American spelling.

But it doesn't use the word "spelling". What does it say for an alternative US term rather than spelling? Or would it just not have it under the same entry?

US English in brackets immediately under the entry appears to mean US spelling -
----
colour
(US English color)

noun
----
compared to
----
sidewalk
noun

North American English
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[Gavin Chipper]

OK, thanks for the clarification.