Writing Tip 162: “Night” vs. “Nite” (vs. “Knight”)

Is “nite” ever right? Can you get away with it in Scrabble? Is this another example of text-speak and late-night fast food chains infringing on our ability to spell?

Your answers: In extremely casual cases, you can get away with “nite,” but note, I’m saying “extremely casual.” Personally, I’d recommend avoiding it at all costs (this spelling makes some people—like yours truly—cringe), but if you’re texting a friend, I suppose this spelling is okay.

However, “nite,” like “lite,” is not an acceptable Scrabble word.

Contrary to first instincts to blame our messy texting and social media posting culture, “nite” has been around for well over 100 years, at least as early as the 1870s. But even with this history, it has never been accepted as a standard form.

And please for the love of words, never say anything about a “nite in shining armor.” That’s just crazy talk. You know better than that.