List of words that were alternatively spelled in order to change their meaning

Sometimes words are alternatively spelled (or intentionally misspelled) in order to create a new word with more narrow definition, or with completely different definition. Sometimes this is done to create a trademark, a MusicAL band name, or similar.

Words in which a pronunciation was substantially changed are not intended to be on this list. Words which changed only spelling, but not meaning, shouldn't be listed here either (such as color/colour).

Non-trademarks

magick from magic
padonki (Russian net subculture) from podonki
sundae from Sunday
womyn from woman

Trademarks and Names

Aztek from aztec
The Beatles from beetles
Google from googol
Krystal from crystal
The Monkees from monkeys
Bookachat from book a chat
Ringlitz from ring & glitz

See also

Alternative political spellings
Misspelling