The spelling of the word "empey" can be a bit confusing due to its unusual combination of letters. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈɛmpi/, which helps to understand its spelling. The "e" at the beginning makes the "em" sound, while the "p" and "y" create a consonant cluster. The "e" at the end represents the sound of the letter "e," making it a three-syllable word. Despite its unique spelling, "empey" is a legitimate surname with Irish and Scottish origins.