The orthographic sequence “tz” concluding a word is relatively uncommon in English. Examples include proper nouns like Hertz (the unit of frequency) and Fitz (a patronymic prefix). This digraph most frequently appears in words of German or Yiddish origin. Occasionally, it represents a sound similar to the “ts” in “cats,” but can also denote more complex sounds depending on the word’s etymology.
Understanding this particular letter combination provides insights into the historical influences shaping English vocabulary. Recognizing these patterns can improve spelling and pronunciation, and offer clues to a word’s origin and meaning. Furthermore, awareness of less common orthographic sequences enhances overall language comprehension and vocabulary acquisition.