Is it Buntin or bunting?

Whether it is spelled “buntin” or “bunting” is a common source of confusion. Both spellings refer to a type of decorative festive fabric, but which one is correct? The short answer is that “bunting” is the more common and accepted spelling in modern English.

What is bunting?

Bunting is a lightweight fabric used for festive decorations like flags, banners, and garlands. It comes in vibrant colors and can be sewn into triangles or long strips. Bunting is traditionally used to decorate buildings, parties, celebrations, and public events. The triangular flags are often strung together on a string and hung up as festive decor. Bunting evokes a cheerful, lively atmosphere and is especially common at summer fairs, parades, weddings, birthdays, and patriotic holidays.

History and Origins

The origins of bunting fabric date back several centuries. In the 16th century, “bunting” referred to a coarse cloth used to make flags and sails for ships. This coarse material was likely woven from wool. By the 17th century, bunting fabric was being produced in silk as well as wool. Silk bunting was used to make flags and signals for the navy. By the 1800s, brightly colored cotton bunting was being mass produced in England for public festivities. Bunting grew popular around this time as a decorative fabric for celebrations.

Common Uses

Today, bunting is most closely associated with festive occasions and patriotic holidays. Here are some of the most common uses of bunting:

• Birthday parties
• Weddings
• Baby showers
• Anniversaries
• Grand openings
• Fairs and festivals
• Parades
• Independence Day
• Memorial Day
• Flag Day

Bunting brings a pop of color and vibrancy to any special event or public celebration. It has a nostalgic, old-fashioned feel as well. Displaying bunting is an easy way to decorate for a party or holiday in an eye-catching and festive manner.

Buntin vs. Bunting

Both “buntin” and “bunting” have been used over time to refer to this decorative fabric. However, “bunting” emerged as the dominant spelling in the 19th century. Let’s compare the two spellings:

While “buntin” preceded “bunting” by a few decades, “bunting” became more widely adopted over time. By the 1800s, dictionaries and publications favored the “bunting” spelling. Today, “buntin” is considered obsolete.

Grammar and Conventions

“Bunting” fits better with standard English grammar and conventions. In general, nouns ending in -ing are more common than words ending in -in. Since bunting functions primarily as a noun referring to a type of fabric, the -ing ending matches most English nominal conventions.

Use in Publications

A search of books published in English reveals far more results for “bunting” than “buntin.” While buntin may appear occasionally in very old texts, most modern books, journals, and publications use the term “bunting.” Contemporary dictionary entries define bunting, while buntin is not listed. Overall, bunting has emerged as the dominant term in the language.

Reasons for the “Buntin” Spelling

Despite falling out of favor, there are some theories about why “buntin” was an early spelling of this word:

• Influence from the term’s nautical origins – flags were made of bunting fabric.
• Relationship to the word “punting” – a type of boating.
• Similarity to other fabric names like muslin, rayon, nylon, etc.
• The Scottish word “bontine” meaning ribbon or flag.

Additionally, some scholars theorize that buntin came first when referring just to the physical fabric itself, while bunting described the finished flags or banners made out of that material. However, this distinction is not firmly established.

Regional Differences

While bunting is the dominant spelling in most English-speaking countries today, some regional differences exist. In Scotland, buntin is still sometimes used, as in the phrase “buntin tops,” referring to the triangular bunting flags. Buntin may also be found in some Old English or Middle English texts. Overall though, bunting prevails in modern publications and dictionaries throughout the English-speaking world.

Conclusion

In summary, bunting is the most common spelling for the fabric used to make decorative flags, banners, and garlands. While buntin was an earlier variant that also referred to flags and banners, bunting became the conventional spelling by the 1800s. Modern dictionaries, publications, and style guides all prefer bunting as the correct spelling. Some regional exceptions exist, but bunting is the predominant spelling used in the English language today.

Key Facts

• Bunting refers to a lightweight, brightly colored fabric used for decorative purposes.
• The earliest origins of the word date back to the 1600s.
• Buntin was an early alternate spelling but it fell out of favor by the 19th century.
• Bunting follows standard English language conventions for nouns ending in -ing.
• Bunting is the preferred spelling in modern dictionaries and publications.
• Some regional usages of buntin persist, especially in Scotland.
• Overall, bunting is considered the standard spelling today.

Examples in Context

Bunting in a Sentence

Here are a few examples of bunting correctly used in a sentence:

• Brightly colored bunting decorated the streets for the parade.
• We hung festive bunting made of felt triangles across the mantle.
• The reception hall was draped in red, white and blue bunting for the 4th of July party.
• Cotton bunting doesn’t cost much to purchase from the fabric store.

Bunting in Literature and Publications

Examples of bunting in published works and literature:

“The houses were decked out in bunting and paper chains and children waved union jacks.” – The Royal Guide To Spotting The British, Rusty Young

“We decorated the pavilion with flags and bunting in preparation for the festival.” – The Summer Fair, Enid Wilson

“Red, white, and blue bunting draped the entryway on the Fourth of July.” – Summer Days, Susan Branch

FAQs

Is it bunting or buntin?

Bunting is the correct modern spelling. Buntin was an earlier variant but it is now considered obsolete.

Where did the word bunting come from?

The earliest origins were in the 1600s referring to a coarse cloth used for flags and sails. By the 1800s, brightly colored cotton bunting was mass produced in England for festive decorations.

Is buntin an acceptable spelling?

Buntin is outdated and non-standard, except in some regional dialects. Bunting is the preferred spelling today.

What’s the difference between bunting and buntin?

Bunting and buntin both refer to a fabric used for flags and festive garlands. Buntin was an earlier spelling but bunting became more widely used in the 1800s and is now the conventional spelling in modern English.

Is buntin correct English?

No, buntin is considered obsolete in standard English. It may occur in some regional dialects, but bunting is the preferred and accepted spelling.

Usage Tips

• Use bunting for any decorative fabric or garland, especially for festive occasions.
• The plural form is buntings, e.g. “the buntings were strung between the trees.”
• Remember it’s one t – bunting, not bunttin.
• Don’t confuse bunting with hunting – they may sound similar but have different meanings.
• Avoid the alternate buntin spelling unless quoting a historical text or aiming for a regional dialect.

Summary

Bunting and buntin have the same origins centuries ago referring to fabric used for flags and sails. While buntin was initially used, bunting became the favored spelling by the modern era. Today, bunting is the standard spelling for decorative banners and garlands in English. Buntin now appears antiquated except in some regional dialects.