''hoarse'' and ''lightening'' don't work as homonyms

Or barmy!

They're homophones! They do in my accent- wow- homophones are a real crowd divider- I knew that before submitting, and went for it anyway. That's the thing about accents, they are, by definition, different ways of pronunciation.

homonyms = spelled same but different meaning

NOT real homophones. Like the inclusion of supposed 'homophones' in many puzzles, tenuous and lazy. People can't possibly be expected to consider how a word might sound in every different accent, so standard English should always be assumed, and that's coming from someone with a strong accent myself.

Mine is pretty standard. Sorry- it's just a bit hilarious how angry people get about homophones, I was expecting this kind of response when I included them and even made a joke about it on someone else's comments! Just please be careful of terms like "lazy"- I've spent literally hours (off work sick) putting a lot of effort into trying to submit varied, original grids for people like yourself to enjoy. By all means point out flaws if needs be, but kindly. Just ask yourself "does this fault affect game play?" If not, just enjoy them for what they are. I appreciate everyone taking the time to comment :)

That is literally what people are trying to tell you - this fault affects game play. If you saw the clue 'cat', would you think 'well that could be cart, because some people stick random 'r's in places, they just can't help themselves'. That is essentially what you are asking people to do in leaping from 'balmy' to 'barmy', then ignore an entire syllable from 'lightening'. They don't sound the same at all, to the majority of people.

I've tried all of the homophones in a variety of UK accents (being an ex actor and all that) - and yes, they are all bona fide homophones - all of them. Lazy - bit harsh and not necessary. Lorna has kept me and many others endless entertained recently with her brilliant and fun diverse and whacky grids. As do all the grid presenters. I'm going to try and do one now with the express hope of pissing off as many people so they can have a good old vent.

Well, I honestly can't hear what you are hearing - to my ear they sound the same. Especially Barmy - the L in Balmy is silent - to my ear at least, almost impossible to include when you say it. Why not put one of your own up Jmack - let he who hath no sin cast (caste) the first stone n'all that - paraphrasing.

Hi Jmack- I might understand your point if you let us know what your accent is- you say it's strong? Where are you from? I grew up near London, moved to Devon, pretty much RP but a bit more common! I do drop the l/r and shorten the syllable myself.

Jeez Louise, is no-one allowed to give constructive feedback anymore? I just want to enjoy doing puzzles to unwind, but point out when I think one isn't particularly fair (because I really can't see/hear where 'r' comes into 'balmy') as the site invites us to do. No-one is saying Lorna hasn't done good grids which have taken a lot of effort, just that 'homophones' as a link often end up seeming lazy because the connection isn't real to everyone. That seems like odd motivation for making a grid, but best of luck with your goal!

I'm Scottish, I've always heard 'barmy' pronounced with the 'r', otherwise 'barmy army' would be 'bammy ammy'.... maybe it is to some, I just think it is a 'near homophone' at best. Sorry! If I do make a grid, I'm definitely going to avoid homophones like the plague after this!

barmy and balmy= /bɑːmi/ see dictionary.com
I love the Scottish accent, and that the l's and r's are so clearly pronounced. Constructive feedback is appreciated- I've often corrected typos as a result. I don't think my grid was unfair but am genuinely sorry that it has caused so much frustration to you! Like you say- meant to be for fun and unwinding. I don't want anyone being too reluctant to include a topic or style for fear of backlash- do have a go, for fun, but be free to use whatever inspires you. No hard feelings and please enjoy the site as player or submitter as you wish- Giggsy thanks for regular kind words and support

Thanks for being gracious about it, Lorna :)

Thanks - it's up there - enjoy.

Looking forward to doing one of your grids.

Well I enjoyed it..........

Woah- lots of comments for one grid, it seems to have sparked a debate! I am scottish and I gave it ten out of ten. No problem with the words at all, it was the first group I got