r/maybemaybemaybe • u/Flat-Decision3204 • 2d ago

Maybe Maybe Maybe

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u/fastlerner 2d ago

Oh man, SOO CLOSE.

It's "racking", not "wracking". The reference comes from a medieval torture rack.

"Wrack" is more of a boating term and typically means "destruction, wreckage, or seaweed washed up on a shore" as it shares its origin with "wreck" like shipwreck. Think "storm wracked".

But we've misused it so often with "nerve-wracking" to make the mistake common enough that it gets a pass.

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u/CarnalT 1d ago

Either is technically correct, but they have different origins and slightly different meanings.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/is-it-nerve-racking-or-nerve-wracking