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TankHughes commented on the word happy tensing
A feature of RP (Received Pronunciation, AKA Southern Standard British English) where the /æ/ vowel in HAPPY is tensed, pulling it forward and up and sounding more like /ɪ/ in KIT or /ɛ/ in DRESS.
Used profusely in the Superego sketch "M" (Season 3, Episode 3 from 2011) making fun of the exceedingly British character of M, James Bond's superior officer. http://www.gosuperego.com/podcast-episode-3-3/
RP and happy tensing also heard in Disney's Alice in Wonderland (1951) when Alice shouts "Mister Rabbit!"
In summary: it's fun, even just to use in the term happy tensing itself.
April 13, 2015