SYDNEYSIDERS and Melburnians have been left red-faced after a survey showed more than two-thirds of them have trouble spelling the word embarrass.
The Galaxy survey asked 400 people aged over 16 years to spell eight commonly misspelled words.
About 70 per cent couldn't spell accommodation, one in two people spelled accessory wrong and a quarter had trouble with February.
Other tricky words included guarantee, opportunity, eighth and receipt.
The survey found women were better spellers than men.
Only seven per cent of participants in Sydney and Melbourne received 100 per cent.
The survey found people aged 25 to 34 have some homework to do, ranking among the worst spellers.
Children's author Deborah Abela said spell check and text message abbreviations were harming people's spelling skills.
"It can impact on how people perceive general intelligence and can even affect one's ability to get and keep a job," she said.
Westpac commissioned the survey and sponsors the NSW Premier's Spelling Bee for primary school pupils which begins in July.\
Fox, Pitt top celebrity sex list
|
Special day to celebrate beards
|
Ruby Rose launches range on tram
|
| (10)
'Gay' kookaburra? Not in our school
| (2)
Powderfinger leave fans spinning
|
DVDs still a buzz after 15 years
|
24 August - 23 September
An unexpected, chance meeting with an old friend or perhaps even flame, could trigger and reignite those old feelings again. You ll need a bit of extra time up... More Horoscopes »
Select your zodiac sign
Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces