'Wheel of Fortune' contestant loses for mispronunciation

UNDATED (WHDH) -- The squares were filling in, and anyone watching who knows the 12 days of Christmas, probably had the answer, and Renee Durette did too.

It was on to Amy, because Renee, a Navy specialist from Florida with nearly $4,000 on the line said swimmin' not swimming.

"I’m from Florida, the G is silent,” said Durette.

Amy got it right, but seemed to feel bad about it.

And that sparked outrage on the Internet.

On Facebook: “a terrible decision to rob that poor woman of her victory” and “Won't be watchin' anymore.”

Viewers tweeted, “that's cold,” and “Shame on Wheel of Fortune,” and “You gotta be kiddin.’”

But Wheel wasn't kidding about the G. It's been an American TV staple for nearly four decades. And like all successful game shows, there are rules.

“The show has been on for a long time. I’m sure they’ve had situations like this before,” said Stephen Battaglio, TV Guide.

Renee was up $8,000 dollars and could have won more.

“It was disappointing you know, because you think you’re on a roll and you’re doing well and everything’s going great and then it’s like oh, yeah,” said Durette.

The judges said the answer violated the rules because it was spoken in vernacular. Still, Durette said it was an amazing experience.