Capitalizing on the Power- Should ‘Judge’ Be Uppercased in ‘Judge Judy’- A Debate Unfolded

Do you capitalize “judge” in “Judge Judy”? This is a common question among fans of the popular television show, as well as those who are interested in the rules of capitalization in the English language. Understanding the answer to this question can help clarify the proper formatting of the show’s title and provide insight into the rules governing capitalization in similar contexts.

In the case of “Judge Judy,” the capitalization of “judge” is not mandatory. The title is typically written as “Judge Judy,” with the word “judge” in lowercase. This is because the title is a proper noun, referring to a specific individual, rather than a general title or position. When a title is used to refer to a specific person, it is generally lowercase unless it is at the beginning of a sentence or in a headline.

The rules of capitalization in English can be complex, and they vary depending on the context. In general, proper nouns, such as names of people, places, and organizations, are capitalized. However, when a proper noun is used as a common noun, it is typically lowercase. For example, “President Obama” is a proper noun, but “the president” is a common noun.

In the case of “Judge Judy,” the word “judge” is used as a common noun, referring to the position held by the individual. Therefore, it is lowercase. This is consistent with the capitalization of other television shows and media titles that feature a specific person, such as “Dr. Phil,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

It is important to note that capitalization rules can vary depending on the style guide being followed. For example, some style guides may recommend capitalizing the word “judge” in the title “Judge Judy” if it is used as a standalone title, rather than as part of a person’s name. However, the most common practice is to use lowercase for the word “judge” in this context.

In conclusion, the answer to the question “Do you capitalize ‘judge’ in ‘Judge Judy’?” is no, you do not. The title is typically written as “Judge Judy,” with the word “judge” in lowercase, as it is a proper noun used as a common noun to refer to the position held by the individual. Understanding the rules of capitalization in this context can help ensure that your writing is clear and follows the conventions of the English language.