Pronouncing TUPE
The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 provide for the continuation of employment contracts when there is a transfer of a business or part of a business.
Since even lawyers find the whole name a mouthful, it is normally shortened to “the TUPE regs”.
“TUPE” should be pronounced two-pee, as in 2p; never two-pay as in the gentleman’s hairpiece.
I’d say tew-pea, though chew-pea seems to be acceptable too. But it is certainly true that if there are Toupe Regulations (and in a world that can produce The Jam and Similar Products (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1990, I wouldn’t wish to rule it out) they are of no interest to employment lawyers.
Chew-pea or tew-pea, surely? 2p sounds American or unspeakably posh to me.
I agree with tew-pea (although chew-pea is also fine).
But I think I must be mispronouncing 2p, because I pronounce it tew-pea as well. Or perhaps my Northern Roots are coming out.
There’s nothing for it – we’ll have to do a podcast.