Homage is the only correct spelling. Omage is not a real English word.
Many people search for “homage or omage” because they are confused about both spelling and pronunciation. Some hear the word spoken as omage and assume that must be the correct spelling. Others see homage in writing but are unsure how to say it. This confusion is very common in English.
The problem exists because English borrows words from other languages, especially French. When this happens, spelling and pronunciation do not always match.
The word homage looks like it should start with an H, but many speakers do not pronounce that letter. This leads people to think omage is a real word.
Using the wrong spelling can make your writing look incorrect or careless. This article clears all confusion about homage or omage.
You will learn the correct spelling, the origin of the word, pronunciation differences, common mistakes, and how to use it properly in real-life writing. By the end, you will be confident every time you use this word.
Homage or Omage / Quick Answer
✅ Homage is correct
❌omage spelling is incorrect
Examples:
- ✅ The film is a tribute and homage to the director.
- ❌ The film is an omage to the director.
The Origin of Homage or Omage
The word homage comes from French, where it originally meant respect, honor, or loyalty. It entered English in the Middle Ages and has always been spelled with an H.
Key History Points:
- Origin: Old French hommage
- Meaning: Respect, honor, tribute
- Spelling: Always homage
The confusion comes from pronunciation. In French, the H is silent. English speakers sometimes copy this pronunciation and say omage. Over time, people began to assume the spelling matched the sound.
However, English kept the original spelling homage, even if pronunciation varies.
Read more about:Farrier or Ferrier: Correct Spelling, Meaning 2026
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English.
Important Rule:
👉 Both British and American English spell it “homage”
Pronunciation Difference (Important)
| Region | Common Pronunciation |
| British English | H is often silent (om-ij) |
| American English | H often pronounced (hom-ij) |
Spelling Comparison Table
| English Type | Correct | Incorrect |
| British English | homage | omage |
| American English | homage | omage |
| Academic English | homage | omage |
| Global English | homage | omage |
Pronunciation may change. Spelling does not.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always Use Homage
Use homage when you want to:
- Show respect
- Pay tribute
- Honor someone or something
Examples:
- The song is an homage to classic rock.
- The statue stands as an homage to heroes.
- The director paid homage to old films.
Never Use Omage
- It is not in dictionaries
- It is always marked incorrect
- It is a pronunciation-based mistake
Audience Advice
- US audience: Use homage
- UK/Commonwealth: Use homage
- Global audience: Use homage
Common Mistakes with Homage or Omage
1. Spelling based on pronunciation
❌ This movie is an omage to the original.
✅ This movie is an homage to the original.
2. Dropping the “H” in writing
❌ She paid omage to her teacher.
✅ She paid homage to her teacher.
3. Using wrong article
❌ A homage (American style often prefers “a”)
✅ An homage (when H is silent)
Both a homage and an homage are accepted depending on pronunciation style.
Homage or Omage in Everyday Examples
Emails
- ✅ This project is an homage to our founder.
- ❌ This project is an omage to our founder.
News Writing
- ✅ The ceremony was an homage to veterans.
- ❌ The ceremony was an omage to veterans.
Social Media
- ✅ This artwork is an homage 🎨
- ❌ This artwork is an omage
Formal Writing
- ✅ The novel serves as an homage to tradition.
- ❌ The novel serves as an omage to tradition.
Homage or Omage / Google Trends & Usage Data
Search engines show steady searches for “homage or omage”.
Why People Search This:
- Silent “H” pronunciation
- French influence
- Listening more than reading
- ESL learning confusion
Usage Insights:
- Homage appears in books, articles, and academic writing
- Omage appears mostly in spelling mistakes and search queries
- Google treats omage as incorrect
Homage vs Omage: Comparison Table
| Feature | Homage | Omage |
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dictionary accepted | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in British English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in American English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| recommended | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
FAQs
1. Is omage ever correct?
No. Omage is never correct.
2. Why do people say “omage”?
Because the H is silent in some pronunciations.
3. How do Americans pronounce homage?
Often with a pronounced H.
4. How do British speakers pronounce homage?
Often with a silent H.
5. Is homage formal English?
Yes. It is common in formal writing.
6. Can homage be a verb?
No. It is a noun.
7. Should I use “a” or “an” before homage?
Both are acceptable depending on pronunciation.
Conclusion
The confusion between homage or omage comes from pronunciation, not spelling. Homage is the only correct spelling in English. Omage is always wrong, even if it sounds right when spoken.
This word comes from French, which explains the silent H in some accents. However, English kept the original spelling. Whether you pronounce the H or not, you must always write homage.
Using the correct spelling improves clarity, professionalism, and trust in your writing. Remember this simple rule: if you are paying respect or tribute, always write “homage.” Once you learn this, you will never make the mistake again.
Hello, I am Henry P. Whitmore, an English language scholar and grammar author known for my contributions to English grammar education. I am recognized for presenting complex grammatical rules in a clear, structured, and student-friendly manner, making my work valuable for learners, teachers, and non-native speakers of English.
