For those who wonder what the wordplay is in gristelijk ... and don't laugh!
#1
The word christelijk, like the word christian in English, starts with a K sound in 'official' Dutch.
#2
Protestants typically try to distinguish themselves from denomination to denomination by pronouncing biblical names differently. In the Netherlands, some imitate jewish, others pronounce each letter as if the name was in Dutch.
#3
The letters ch are used in regular Dutch spelling for a sound that is at the same time an R and an aspirated H. There is also another spelling for the same sound, g, and this is nearly always used when the word starts with this sound.
#4
The southern Dutch regions, plus the neighbouring Flemish Dutch speaking Belgian regions, pronounce this sound softly, with less of the R in it. (It's easier on the throat.)
#5
The 'soft G' regions are traditionally Roman Catholic.
So once you've connected all the dots, you know how to pronounce christelijk properly, and everybody laughs.
Yes, you too can understand Dutch humour. Or you can check out the funny pictures on Edwin's website.
Last but not least, I wonder why someone archived so many messages on this thread today?!
Adriaan