How to Prevent an Apple iPhone from Autocorrecting ‘Ducking’ to ‘Fucking’

Autocorrect can be a lifesaver, but it can also be infuriating, especially when it decides to replace a word with an unintended one. One user experienced this issue with the term ‘ducking’ getting autocorrected to ‘fucking.’ This article provides a detailed guide on how to prevent such autocorrections on an Apple iPhone.

Understanding the Issue

The autocorrection issue is a result of Apple’s decision to filter certain curse words during autocorrect. While this can be seen as a positive feature in terms of language appropriateness, it can also hinder typists who need to use certain words. The user, in this case, was typing 'ducking' and was autocorrected to 'fucking.'

Solution: Adding Text Replacements

The solution to this issue involves adding specific text replacements for words that need to be autocorrected. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

Step 1: Access Text Replacement Settings

First, open the Settings app on your iPhone. Navigate to General Keyboard Text Replacement.

Step 2: Add Text Replacements

In the Text Replacement settings, tap the button near the top-right corner.

Phrase: Enter the word you want to autocorrect, such as 'fucking'. Text shortcut: Leave it empty to use the same spelling as the Phrase.

Once you have added the phrase, the autocorrect feature will now recognize and replace the term you desire without autocorrecting it to ‘fucking.’ This method can be used for other words like 'fucked' and 'fucking' as well.

Handling More Words

It’s important to note that while adding text replacements can solve the problem for specific words, it’s not a perfect solution. Your iPhone will permanently add these words to your personal dictionary, but you can't 'subtract' them if you no longer need them.

There are a few ways to address this:

Turning off Autocorrect: You can turn off the autocorrect feature completely by going to Settings General Keyboard Auto-Correction Off. However, be cautious as you might accidentally spell 'ducking' incorrectly in the future. Creating a Text Replacement: Another method is to use a text replacement with a similar phrase. For instance, create a text replacement for 'Ducking' where the phrase is 'Fucking.' This might address the autocorrection issue while minimizing the risk of unintended typos.

Final Thoughts

The solution to the autocorrection issue is straightforward but requires careful consideration. By adding text replacements, you can ensure that your iPhone recognises and autocorrects the terms you need to type without resorting to curse words. This method is particularly useful for technical users or those who have specific terminologies they need to type regularly.

For more tips and guides on iPhone usage, refer to the resources provided within the Alexa Skill or Google Home integration.