The correct spelling of the word "ringwald" is actually "ringworm." Despite frequent misspellings, the term "ringworm" refers to a fungal infection of the skin that appears as a circular, typically reddish rash with raised edges. The proper pronunciation of "ringworm" is /ˈrɪŋˌwɜrm/, with emphasis on the first syllable, and the "g" sound is silent. Rather than being related to worms, "ringworm" gets its name from its characteristic circular shape resembling a worm or wormhole.