Support WBURSpelling Bee Pregame: Why Are Some Words So Hard?Play03:49Download AudioNPR StaffJune 01, 2011 ShareWhen Words Go Wild: Nathan J. Marcisz of Marion, Ind., thinks about an answer during last year's Scripps National Spelling Bee. Contestants often stumble over foreignisms that have silent vowels or odd roots, says linguist Ben Zimmer. (Getty Images)
