The spelling of the word "hurdman" can be explained through International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The word is pronounced as /ˈhɜrdmən/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "h" is a silent letter, and the "u" is pronounced as an "er" sound. The "r" sound is emphasized, and the "d" is followed by a nasal "m" sound. The "a" is pronounced as a schwa, and the final syllable is pronounced as "mən." This spelling and pronunciation follow the general rules of English spelling and phonetics.