Guerrilla vs. Guerilla – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is guerrilla, with a double ‘r’ and a double ‘l’. “Guerilla” is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all written contexts. The term typically refers to a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, or a type of warfare.
guerrilla or guerilla – Which is Correct?
Between “guerrilla” and “guerilla,” the only correct spelling in standard American English is guerrilla. The version with a single ‘r’ and ‘l’ (“guerilla”) is a frequent misspelling. This confusion often arises because the word is pronounced with a relatively quick “r” sound, leading some to mistakenly omit one of the ‘r’s or ‘l’s when writing. Always remember the double ‘r’ and double ‘l’ for the correct spelling of “guerrilla.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| guerrilla | Noun, Adjective | Noun: A member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger regular forces. Adjective: Referring to irregular warfare or tactics. | The guerrilla fighters launched a surprise attack. |
| guerilla | Misspelling | An incorrect spelling of “guerrilla.” | Please do not use “guerilla” as it is a misspelling. |
How to Use guerrilla
“Guerrilla” refers to a specific type of warfare or the combatants involved. It implies unconventional, often decentralized, tactics used by a smaller, less equipped force against a larger, more conventional army or power. It can be used as a noun to describe a person or group, or as an adjective to describe the tactics, warfare, or even marketing strategies (e.g., guerrilla marketing). The tone is generally neutral when describing historical or political contexts, but can carry connotations of rebellion or resistance.
Example 1: The small band of guerrilla fighters harassed the invading army with hit-and-run tactics.
Example 2: She employed a guerrilla strategy to gain market share against the established corporations.
Example 3: The region has a long history of guerrilla warfare against foreign occupation.
What are the different forms of guerrilla?
As a noun, “guerrilla” can be pluralized to “guerrillas” to refer to multiple fighters. As an adjective, it remains “guerrilla” (e.g., “guerrilla tactics,” “guerrilla marketing”). There are no other common variations or tenses, as it primarily functions as a noun or adjective.
Etymology of the word guerrilla
The word “guerrilla” comes from the Spanish word guerrilla, which is the diminutive of guerra, meaning “war.” Thus, guerrilla literally means “little war.” It entered the English language in the early 19th century, specifically during the Peninsular War (1808-1814), when Spanish and Portuguese irregulars fought against Napoleon’s forces. The term quickly became associated with this type of unconventional, small-scale warfare.
Related Concepts
Understanding the correct spelling of “guerrilla” is a good example of how English words, especially those borrowed from other languages, can retain their original spelling conventions. Many words in English contain double letters that are not always pronounced distinctly, leading to common misspellings. Developing an awareness of common spelling patterns, etymology, and proofreading skills can help avoid such errors, ensuring clarity and professionalism in your writing.
Similarly, understanding the nuances between spelled vs. spelt can further enhance your command of English orthography.
Examples from Media and Literature
- In Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls, the protagonist fights alongside a guerrilla band during the Spanish Civil War.
- The film Che depicts the life of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, a key figure in guerrilla movements in Cuba and Bolivia.
- News reports often refer to various non-state armed groups as guerrilla forces operating in conflict zones around the world.
- The concept of “guerrilla gardening” involves planting seeds or plants in neglected public spaces to beautify them.
- Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, while ancient, contains principles that are often applied to modern guerrilla strategies, emphasizing deception and surprise.
guerrilla Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Irregular | Not conforming to established rules or methods; a soldier not belonging to regular forces. |
| Insurgent | A person fighting against a government or invading force; a rebel. |
| Rebel | A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler. |
| Partisan | A strong, often biased, supporter of a party, cause, or person; a member of an armed group formed to fight secretly against an occupying force. |
| Freedom fighter | A person who takes part in a resistance movement against an oppressive political regime. (Often used from a sympathetic perspective.) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “guerrilla” spelled with a double ‘r’ and double ‘l’?
The spelling of “guerrilla” comes directly from its Spanish origin, where guerrilla is the diminutive of guerra (war). Spanish spelling conventions include the double ‘r’ and ‘l’, which were retained when the word was adopted into English.
Question 2: Can “guerrilla” be used to describe non-military situations?
Yes, “guerrilla” is often used metaphorically to describe unconventional or unorthodox tactics in various fields, such as “guerrilla marketing” (low-cost, creative advertising) or “guerrilla gardening” (unauthorized planting in public spaces).
Question 3: Is “guerrilla” capitalized?
No, “guerrilla” is a common noun and is generally not capitalized unless it begins a sentence or is part of a proper noun (e.g., “Guerrilla War Museum”).
Conclusion
The distinction between “guerrilla” and “guerilla” is straightforward: guerrilla (with the double ‘r’ and double ‘l’) is the universally accepted and correct spelling, while “guerilla” is a common misspelling. Remembering its Spanish origin can help solidify the correct spelling in your mind. Using the correct form ensures precision and clarity, whether you’re discussing military tactics, marketing strategies, or historical events.
Pro Tip: In professional writing, even minor spelling errors like “guerilla” can detract from your credibility. Always double-check words with unusual double-letter patterns to maintain a polished and authoritative voice.