The spelling of the word "mcnish" may seem confusing at first glance, but it can be broken down phonetically. The "mc" combination represents the /mək/ sound, followed by the /nɪʃ/ sound for "nish". IPA transcription helps to clarify that the "m" is pronounced before the "c", indicating the Scottish or Irish origin of the surname. It's important to pay attention to phonetic rules when dealing with unique spellings like "mcnish" to ensure proper pronunciation.