Learn to Talk Like a Local Across the U.S.!
Discover how locals pronounce places and phrases in each state. Click a letter below to explore pronunciations from Alabama to Wyoming.
Arab
AY-rab
City in northern Alabama
Cahaba
kuh-HAW-buh
The first capital of Alabama, often mispronounced as "KAY-hah-bah."
Cairo
KAY-row
An unincorporated community pronounced like the white cooking syrup, not the Egyptian city.
Cleburne
KLEE-burn
County named for Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne, often mispronounced as "Clay-burn."
Conecuh
cah-NECK-ah
Derived from a Creek Indian word meaning "land of cane."
Eufaula
yoo-FALL-uh
A city in southeastern Alabama, commonly mispronounced as "YOU-fah-lah."
Flomaton
Flow-ma-tahn
A town whose name combines "Florida," "Alabama," and "town."
Guin
Gyoo-win
A town named for a pioneering family, often mispronounced as "goo" or "jew."
LaFayette
La-FAY-it
Town named for the Marquis de Lafayette, emphasizing the second syllable.
Loachapoka
LOW-cha-POH-Kah
A town in Lee county Alabama.
Mobile
moh-BEEL
Major city in southern Alabama
Oneonta
Oh-nee-ON-ta
The county seat of Blount County, known for its Covered Bridge Festival.
Pintlala
Pent-la-la
An unincorporated community named for Pintlala Creek.
Sylacauga
Sill-uh-caw-guh
Nicknamed "The Marble City" and "Alabama’s Best-Kept Secret."
Tallassee
Tae-luh-see
Often confused with Tallahassee, Fla., but pronounced without "hass."
Wedowee
Wee-DOW-ee
A town named for a Muscogee Creek Indian chief, meaning "old water."
Alyeska
al-lee-YES-ka
an Aleut word meaning "the great land
Eklutna
ee-kloot-nuh
A small native village 24 miles northeast of Anchorage.
Kasilof
kuh-see-loff
A census-designated place in Alaska. The name was given to the area by early Russian settlers.
Kenai
KEE-nye
Peninsula and city in southern Alaska
Knik Glacier
kuh-nick glacier
PA glacier near the northernmost part of Cook Inlet.
Koyukuk
KOY-yuh-kuk
A river and city in Alaska, often mispronounced as "KOY-uh-kuk."
Matanuska-Susitna
mat-uh-NOO-skuh soo-SIT-na
A small borough in Alaska.
Seward
soo-ward
A city in the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
Tanana
TAN-uh-naw
A city and river in Alaska, commonly mispronounced as "TAN-uh-nuh."
Valdez
val-DEEZ
Coastal city in southern Alaska
Ahwatukee
awe-wuh-too-kee
An east valley suburb of Phoenix.
Ajo
awe-ho
A small unincorporated community in Pima County, AZ and the Spanish word for garlic.
Aravaipa
air-uh-vai-pa
A canyon and town in southeast AZ. The word is Apache for "laughing waters".
Arizona
air-ih-ZOH-nuh
State name pronunciation
Barrio
BAH-ree-oh
Spanish for neighborhood, commonly used in areas with significant Hispanic populations.
Cabeza Prieta
Kuh-BAY-zuh PREE-eh-tah
A wildlife refuge in southwestern Arizona, often mispronounced as Cuh-BEE-zah PREE-tuh.
Canyon de Chelly
canyon duh-Shay
A national monument located in the Navajo Nation in northeastern AZ.
Casa Grande
cass-uhgrand
A small city between Phoenix and Tucson.
Chiricahua
chur-uh-kaa-wuh
The name of an Apache tribe and a national monument in southeastern AZ.
Cholla
CHOY-uh
A type of cactus, pronounced "CHOY-uh," not "CHO-lah."
Coconino
Koh-kuh-NEE-noh
A national forest and large county in northern Arizona, commonly mispronounced as Koh-koh-NYE-noh.
Cocopa
KO-ko-pah
Referring to the Cocopa tribe, indigenous to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico.
Estrella
ehs-treh-yah
A mountain range with a park near Goodyear, AZ.
Fort Huachuca
fort wa-CHOO-kuh
A military base in southern AZ.
Gila Monster
he-luh monster
a species of venomous lizard native to the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
Hohokam
ho-ho-KAHM
An ancient Native American culture that thrived in the area around Phoenix.
Hopi
HO-pee
An indigenous tribe from what is now northeast AZ.
Hualapai
WAH-luh-pie
A Native American tribe and reservation, often mispronounced as HOO-luh-pie.
Javelina
HAH-vuh-LEE-nuh
Wild peccaries common in Arizona, often mispronounced as JAY-vuh-LEE-nuh.
Kachina
kuh-CHEE-nuh
A spirit or doll in Hopi and Puebloan cultures, representing ancestral spirits.
Kaibab
KIE-bab
A national forest, often mispronounced as KAY-bab or KIE-bob.
Kofa
KOH-fuh
A wildlife refuge, often mispronounced as KOFF-uh.
Lake Havasu City
Lake HAH-vuh-soo
Known for the relocated London Bridge, often mispronounced as HAY-vuh-soo.
Maricopa
Mare-uh-KO-puh
A county and city, often mispronounced as Mare-ih-KOH-puh.
Mazatzal
Mah-zaht-zahl
A mountain range in central AZ. The word originates from ancient Mexican Indigenous culture translating to "land of the deer."
Mesa
may-sa
An east valley suburb of Phoenix often mispronounced mess-uh.
Mogollon Rim
moe-gee-yawn or mug-e-own rim
A natural feature that runs across central AZ and seperates the low desert basin & range province from the high desert plateau and represents the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau.
Montezuma
MON-tuh-zoo-muh
A well-known castle in Arizona linked to Native American history, though not directly related to Montezuma himself.
Naco
NAH-koh
A border town, often mispronounced as NAY-koh.
Nogales
noh-GAH-les
A city on the U.S.-Mexico border, pronounced "noh-GAH-les," not "noh-GAL-es."
Ocotillo
OH-koh-TEE-yoh
Located in northwestern Arizona, often mispronounced as PAY-oot.
Paiute
PIE-yoot
Located in northwestern Arizona, often mispronounced as PAY-oot.
Papago
paw-puh-gow
A former name for the Tohono O'odham people of Arizona. It literally means tepary-bean eater
Piestewa
PYESS-tuh-wah
A mountain in Phoenix named after Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman killed in combat while serving in the U.S. military.
Pima
PEE-muh
A county and Native American tribe, pronounced "PEE-muh," not "PIE-muh."
Pinal
puh-NAL
a county in south central Arizona.
Prescott
PRESS-kit
City in central Arizona
Sahuarita
saa-wuh-ree-tuh
A small town south of Tucson. The word means "little Saguaro."
Saguaro
suh-WAR-oh
Type of cactus native to Arizona
San Xavier
san hah-VEE-air
As in San Xavier del Bac Mission, pronounced "san hah-VEE-air," not "san ex-ZAY-vee-er."
Sinagua
SIN-ah-wah
A pre-Columbian culture that once thrived in central Arizona.
Sitgreaves
SIT-greeves
A national forest in northern Arizona, sometimes mispronounced as SIT-graves.
Sonoita
soh-NOY-tah
A town in Santa Cruz County, pronounced "soh-NOY-tah," not "soh-no-EE-tah."
Supai
SOO-pie
A remote village in the Grand Canyon, home to the Havasupai tribe.
Teec Nos Pos
Tease-NAHS-pas
A small outpost in the northeast corner of AZ.Translates to "Trees in a Circle" in Navajo. The name comes from cottonwoods that grow around water near the trading posts location.
Tempe
tim-PEE
A city in the Phoenix metropolitan area and home of Arizona State University.
Tlaquepaque
tuh-laa-kuh-paw-kee
An arts and crafts village/shopping center in Sedona.
Tohono O'Odham
Thaw-haw-naw Awe-awe-thumb
A Native American tribe from the Sonoran Desert region. They are also known as the "Desert People"
Tonto
TAHN-toh
A name used for a basin and forest area, referencing the Tonto Apache group.
Tucson
TOO-sawn
City in south central Arizona
Tusayan
TOO-say-ahn
A small town near the Grand Canyon, mispronounced as TOO-sigh-an or TOO-say-in
Alma
AL-muh
Known as the Spinach Capital of the World, this town is located in western Arkansas.
Arkansas
AR-kan-saw
State name pronunciation
Bellefonte
Bell-FONT
A small town near Harrison with French roots in its name.
Blytheville
BLUV-ul
A city in northeastern Arkansas, known for its ties to agriculture and air force history.
Bois d’Arc
Bo-DART
A rural area named after the bois d’arc tree, also known as the Osage orange tree.
Ouachita
WASH-i-taw
A mountain range and river, often mispronounced as "Ooh-a-chee-tah."
Fouke
Foke
A city in Arkansas, commonly mispronounced as "FOO-kee."
Lavaca
La-VAH-kah
A small town near Fort Smith, often mistaken for the Spanish phrase meaning “the cow.”
Petit Jean
PET-ee jeen
A state park and mountain in central Arkansas
Bernal Heights
BURR-nul
A residential neighborhood in San Francisco.
Camarillo
kah-mah-REE-yoh
A city in Ventura County, pronounced "kah-mah-REE-yoh," not "kah-mah-RILL-oh."
El Cajon
Ell-kah-HONE
A city east of San Diego.
Gough Street
Goff street
A street in San Francisco.
Jamacha
Hah-mah-shaw
A neighborhood and road in San Diego.
La Jolla
la HOY-uh
A seaside community in San Diego, often mispronounced as "La JOL-la."
Leucadia
Loo-KAY-dee-ah
A beachside community in Encinitas.
Lompoc
lom-Poke
A city near Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Los Feliz
Lohs-Feh-LEEZ
A neighborhood in Los Angeles.
Marin
mah-RIN
A county north of San Francisco.
Mission Burrito
MIS-shun BUH-ree-toh
A large burrito originating in the Mission District of San Francisco.
Napa
NAP-uh
Famous wine region in California
Noe Valley
NO-ee Valley
A neighborhood in San Francisco.
Ojai
oh-Hi
A small city in Ventura County.
Paso Robles
PASS-oh ROH-buhlz
A city in San Luis Obispo County, pronounced "PASS-oh ROH-buhlz," not "PAH-soh ROH-blays."
Petaluma
pet-uh-LOO-muh
A city in Sonoma County, pronounced "pet-uh-LOO-muh," not "pet-uh-LUM-uh."
Poway
Pow-Way
A city in San Diego County.
Rancho Peñasquitos
Ranch-oh Pen-yah-skee-tohs
A suburban area in northern San Diego.
San Rafael
San ruh-FELL
A city in California, commonly mispronounced as "San RAH-fy-el."
San Ysidro
San ee-SEE-dro
A district on the U.S.–Mexico border.
Sepulveda
suh-PUL-vuh-duh
Major boulevard in Los Angeles
Siskiyou
SISK-you
A county in northern Califronia on the Oregon border.
Tehachapi
tuh-HATCH-uh-pee
A city in Kern County, pronounced "tuh-HATCH-uh-pee," not "tee-hah-CHA-pee."
Tuolumne
too-AW-luh-mee
A county and river in northern California.
Vallejo
vuh-LAY-oh
A city in Solano County, pronounced "vuh-LAY-oh," not "vuh-LEE-joh."
Ventura
Vent-ura
A coastal city north of LA commonly mispronounced "Venchura".
Yosemite
Yoh-SEM-it-ee
A world-famous national park
Zzyzx
ZY-Zicks
A small unincorporated municipality in San Bernardino County.
Agate
AG-it
A town in Elbert County, pronounced "AG-it," not "uh-GATE."
Arriba
AIR-i-buh
A town in eastern Colorado with a unique take on the Spanish word for “up.”
Arvada
ar-VAD-uh
A city near Denver, pronounced "ar-VAD-uh," not "ar-VAY-duh."
Berthoud
BURR-thud
A small town in northern Colorado known for its historical landmarks.
Buena Vista
BYOO-nuh VISS-tuh
Town in central Colorado
Cache La Poudre
Cash La POO-der
A scenic river in northern Colorado with a rich history in the fur trade.
Cañon City
CAN-yon
Known for the Royal Gorge and its nickname, the “Climate Capital of Colorado.”
Chinook
CHIN-nook
KRefers to warm, dry winds on the eastern slopes of the Rockies.
Colorado
kol-uh-RAD-oh
State name pronunciation
Crested Butte
Crested-byoot
A municipality in Colorado.
De Beque
Duh-BECK
A historic town in western Colorado known for outdoor recreation.
Del Norte
Del NORT
A small town in southern Colorado named for its location “of the north.”
Elyria
el-IR-ee-uh
A neighborhood in Denver, pronounced "el-IR-ee-uh," not "el-EER-ee-uh."
Fruita
FROO-tuh
A city in Mesa County, pronounced "FROO-tuh," not "FROO-ee-tah."
Gypsum
JIP-sum
A town in Eagle County, pronounced "JIP-sum," not "GIP-sum."
Huerfano
WER-fuh-no
A county in southern Colorado, pronounced "WER-fuh-no," not "HWER-fah-no."
Kersey
KER-see
A town in Weld County, pronounced "KER-see," not "KER-zee."
Limon
LIME-on
Known as the “Hub City” of eastern Colorado..
Louisville
LEW-iss-ville
A charming town near Boulder known for its historic downtown and outdoor activities.
Montrose
MON-trose
A city in western Colorado, pronounced "MON-trose," not "mon-TROSE."
Olathe
Oh-LAY-thuh
Famous for its sweet corn and annual corn festival.
Ouray
YOU-ray
A picturesque town nicknamed the “Switzerland of America.”
Pueblo
PWEH-blo
City in southern Colorado
Saguache
suh-WATCH
A county and town, pronounced "suh-WATCH," not "sah-GWACH-ee."
Salida
Suh-LIE-duh
Known as the “Heart of the Rockies.”
Sawatch
suh-WATCH
A mountain range, pronounced "suh-WATCH," not "saw-WATCH."
Tejon
TAY-hone
A major street in Colorado Springs.
Towaoc
TOY-yock
A Ute Mountain Ute tribal community.
Uncompahgre
Un-kum-PAH-gray
A river, mountain range, and plateau in western Colorado.
Wynkoop Street
Wine-COOP
A notable street in Denver, home to the historic Wynkoop Brewing Company.
Zuni Street
ZOO-nigh
Named after the Zuni Native American tribe, located in Denver.
Berlin
BER-lin
Unlike the German capital, this town is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable.
Connecticut
kuh-NEH-tih-kuht
State name pronunciation
Coventry
CAH-ven-tree
This town's name is pronounced with a broad "a" sound in the first syllable.
Ledyard
LED-yard
Despite its spelling, this town's name is pronounced as it appears, with a clear "d" sound.
Mashamoquet
mash-MUH-kit
A state park in Pomfret, its name is derived from a Native American word meaning "important fishing place."
Moosup
MOO-sup
A village in Plainfield, the name is pronounced with a long "oo" sound.
Norwich
NOR-wich
The "w" is silent in this town's name, similar to its namesake in England.
Quinebaug
KWIN-uh-bawg
River and region in eastern Connecticut
Southington
SUTH-ing-ton
The "o" is pronounced as a short "u" sound, and the "th" is voiced.
Thames
TEMZ
The river's name is pronounced like the one in London, with a silent "h" and a short "e" sound.
Christiana
kris-tee-ANN-uh
Community in northern Delaware
Frederica
fred-uh-REE-kuh
This town's name is pronounced with the emphasis on the third syllable.
Hockessin
ho-KESS-in
The "h" is pronounced, and the emphasis is on the second syllable.
Houston
HOW-ston
Unlike the city in Texas, this Delaware town is pronounced with a "house" sound at the beginning.
Lewes
LOO-iss
Coastal city in Delaware
Newark
NEW-ark
This city's name is pronounced with two distinct syllables, unlike Newark, New Jersey.
Smyrna
SMUR-nuh
The "y" is pronounced as a short "u" sound, and the emphasis is on the first syllable.
Apalachicola
Ap-uh-LACH-uh-koh-luh
A historic fishing town in the Panhandle known for its oysters.
Bokeelia
Boh-KEE-lee-uh
A small community on Pine Island known for its fishing and natural beauty.
Dunedin
DUH-nee-den.
A city in Pinellas County.
Immokalee
ih-MAH-kuh-lee
A town in Collier County, pronounced "ih-MAH-kuh-lee," not "im-oh-KAH-lee."
Kissimmee
kuh-SIM-ee
A city in Osceola County, pronounced "kuh-SIM-ee," not "kiss-uh-MEE."
Miami
my-AM-ee
Major city in southern Florida
Micanopy
mik-uh-NO-pee
A town in Alachua County, pronounced "mik-uh-NO-pee," not "mike-uh-no-pee."
Thonotosassa
thoh-noh-tuh-SASS-uh
A community in Hillsborough County, pronounced "thoh-noh-tuh-SASS-uh," not "thon-oh-toe-sah-sah."
Wewahitchka
wee-wah-HITCH-kuh
A city in Gulf County, pronounced "wee-wah-HITCH-kuh," not "wee-wah-hitch-kah."
Withlacoochee
with-lah-KOO-chee
A river in central Florida, pronounced "with-lah-KOO-chee," not "with-lah-coo-chee."
Albany
ALL-binny
A city in southwest Georgia, pronounced "ALL-binny," not like the New York capital "ALL-buh-nee."
Cairo
KAY-roh
A city in Grady County, pronounced "KAY-roh," not like the Egyptian capital "KAI-roh."
Dacula
Duh-CUE-la
A town often mispronounced by visitors.
Dahlonega
Duh-LAW-na-ga
A historic town known for its gold rush history.
Decatur
dih-KAY-ter
City in metro Atlanta.
DeKalb County
duh-CAB
The "L" is silent in this county name.
Gwinnett
gwi-NET
The "i" is short, not long.
Hoschton
HOOSH-tun
Pronounced like "push" with an added syllable.
Houston County
HOW-ston
Pronounced differently than the Texas city.
Lafayette
luh-FAY-it
A city in northwest Georgia, pronounced "luh-FAY-it," not like the French "lah-fay-ET."
Martinez
MAR-tin-ez
A city in Columbia county often mispronounced as "mAR-teen-ez"
Ponce de Leon
PAHNCE duh LEE-on
A major avenue in Atlanta, pronounced "PAHNCE duh LEE-on," not "PAHN-say day LAY-on."
Senoia
suh-NOY
A city in Coweta County, pronounced "suh-NOY," not "sen-OH-uh."
Taliaferro
TOLL-iver
A county in Georgia, pronounced "TOLL-iver," not "tah-lee-ah-FER-oh."
Thames
TAYMZ
A street in Savannah, pronounced "TAYMZ," not like the English river "TEMZ."
Vidalia
vie-DAY-lee-ah
Famous for Vidalia onions.
Aloha
uh-LOH-ha
A Hawaiian word meaning hello, goodbye, or love, central to Hawaiian culture.
Char Siu
chaaa shew
A Cantonese dish often mispronounced with an audible "r."
Haʻikū
ha-ee-KOO
A town on Maui, pronounced "ha-ee-KOO," not "hai-koo."
Haleakalā
hah-leh-ah-kah-LAH
A National Park often mispronounced as "hah-leh-AH-ka-lah."
Hanalei
hah-nah-LAY
A town on Kauaʻi, pronounced "hah-nah-LAY," not "han-uh-lee."
Hanauma Bay
ha-now-mah
Popular bay often mispronounced by visitors.
Hawaii
huh-VAI-ee
State name pronunciation (traditional)
Honolulu
hoh-noh-LOO-loo
The capital city, pronounced "hoh-noh-LOO-loo," not "hahn-uh-loo-loo."
Hula
HOO-lah
A traditional Hawaiian dance that tells stories through movement and chant.
Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa
hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-ah-poo-ah-ah
Hawaii’s state fish, the "fish with a nose like a pig."
ʻEwa
eh-va
An Oʻahu district often mispronounced as "Ee-wa."
Kailua
kai-LOO-ah
A town on Oʻahu, pronounced "kai-LOO-ah," not "kay-loo-ah."
Kāneʻohe
kah-neh-OH-heh
A town on Oʻahu, pronounced "kah-neh-OH-heh," not "kan-ee-oh-hee."
Karaoke
ka-ra-o-ke
Correct Japanese pronunciation of the word.
Kalākaua
ka-LAAH-kauw-ah
A main thoroughfare in Waikīkī often mispronounced.
Kīlauea
kee-lah-WAY-ah
An active volcano, pronounced "kee-lah-WAY-ah," not "kil-uh-way-uh."
Kauai
kuh-WAI-ee
One of the main Hawaiian islands
Lānaʻi
la-nah-ee
The Hawaiian island.
Lānai
lah-nai
A porch or veranda.
Likelike
lee-kay-lee-kay
Often mispronounced as "Like Like" by visitors.
Lychee
lie-chee
Preferred pronunciation in Hawaii.
Molokaʻi
MO-loh-kai
An island known for its unspoiled beauty and connection to Hawaiian traditions.
Nānākuli
nah-nah-KOO-lee
A town on Oʻahu, pronounced "nah-nah-KOO-lee," not "nan-uh-koo-lee."
ʻOhana
oh-HAH-nah
Family, including extended and chosen family, central to Hawaiian values.
Puʻuhonua
poo-oo-HO-noo-ah
An ancient place of refuge on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Temperature
tempa-chur
Simplified pronunciation used by locals.
Three
tree
Common mispronunciation in the Islands.
Wahiawā
wa-hee-a-wa
Often mispronounced as "Wa-hee-wa."
Waiʻanae
wai-ah-NAI
A town on Oʻahu, pronounced "wai-ah-NAI," not "wai-an-ee."
Wailuku
wai-LOO-koo
A town on Maui, pronounced "wai-LOO-koo," not "wai-luh-koo."
Waimea
wai-MAY-ah
Towns on multiple islands, pronounced "wai-MAY-ah," not "wai-mee-uh."
Acequia
uh-SEEK-we-uh
This small town's name is derived from the Spanish word for irrigation ditch.
Boise
BOY-see
Capital city of Idaho
Cocolalla
koh-koh-LAH-lah
A community in Bonner County, pronounced "koh-koh-LAH-lah," not "koh-koh-LAY-lah."
Coeur d'Alene
KOR-duh-lane
City in northern Idaho
Kamiah
KAM-ee-eye
A city in Lewis County, pronounced "KAM-ee-eye," not "KAM-ee-ah."
Kootenai
KOOT-nee
A county in northern Idaho, its name is often mispronounced due to the silent "ai" at the end.
Kooskia
KOO-skee
This town's name is pronounced with two syllables, ignoring the "a" at the end.
Kuna
KYOO-nuh
A city in Ada County, pronounced "KYOO-nuh," not "KOO-nah."
Lapwai
LAP-way
A city in Nez Perce County, pronounced "LAP-way," not "LAP-wah."
Mackay
MACK-ee
A city in Custer County, pronounced "MACK-ee," not "MACK-ay."
Moscow
MOSS-koe
Unlike the Russian capital, this Idaho city is pronounced with a long "o" sound at the end.
Owyhee
oh-WYE-hee
A county and river, pronounced "oh-WYE-hee," not "oh-WEE-hee."
Pend Oreille
POND-uh-RAY
A lake and county, pronounced "POND-uh-RAY," not "PEND-or-EEL."
Weippe
WEE-ipe
A small town in Clearwater County, pronounced with a long "i" sound.
Weiser
WEE-zer
A city in Washington County, pronounced "WEE-zer," not "WYE-zer."
Benld
ben-ELD
A city in Macoupin County, pronounced "ben-ELD," not "BEN-eld." Named after its founder, Benjamin L. Dorsey.
Cairo
KAY-roh
A city in Alexander County, pronounced "KAY-roh," not like the Egyptian capital "KAI-roh."
Chautauqua
shuh-TAWK-wuh
A village located between Elsah and Grafton in Jersey County.
Des Plaines
dess-PLAINZ
City in northeastern Illinois
Illinois
ill-ih-NOY
State name pronunciation
Loogootee
LOH-guh-TEE
An unincorporated community near Effingham.
Marseilles
mar-SALES
A city in LaSalle County, pronounced "mar-SALES," not like the French city "mar-SAY."
New Berlin
BER-lin
A village in Sangamon County, pronounced "BER-lin," not like the German capital "ber-LEEN."
San Jose
san-JOE-s
A village in Logan County.
Teheran
tuh-HAIR-uhn
An unincorporated community in Mason County, pronounced "tuh-HAIR-uhn," not like the Iranian capital "teh-RAHN."
The L
THE ELL
Short for the elevated train system central to Chicago’s public transit.
Vienna
VY-en-uh
A city in Johnson County, pronounced "VY-en-uh," not like the Austrian capital "vee-EN-nuh."
Waukegan
waw-KEE-guhn
A city just north of Chicago.
Wataga
wah-TAH-guh
A village in Knox County near Galesburg.
Cayuga
KYE-oo-guh
A town in Vermillion County, pronounced "KYE-oo-guh," not "KAY-you-guh."
Lafayette
LAH-fee-ET
A city in Tippecanoe County.
Loogootee
luh-GOH-tee
A city in Martin County, pronounced "luh-GOH-tee," not "LOO-goo-tee."
Peru
Pee-ROO
A city in Miami County.
Russiaville
ROO-shuh-vil
A town in Howard County, pronounced "ROO-shuh-vil," not "RUSS-ee-uh-vil."
Salamonie
SAL-uh-MO-nee
A river and reservoir, pronounced "SAL-uh-MO-nee," not "SAL-uh-MOH-nee."
Terre Haute
TEHR-uh HOHT
City in western Indiana
Versailles
ver-SALES
Town in southeastern Indiana
Adel
ay-DELL
A city in Dallas County, often mispronounced by non-locals.
Buena Vista
BYOO-nuh VIH-stuh
A county in northwestern Iowa, name of Spanish origin.
Camanche
cah-MANCH
A city along the Mississippi River, often mispronounced due to its spelling.
Chillicothe
chill-uh-KAW-thee
A small community in Wapello County with a name of Native American origin.
Des Moines
duh-MOYN
Capital city of Iowa
Guttenberg
GUT-in-berg
A city named after Johannes Gutenberg, often mispronounced by visitors.
Keosauqua
Kee-o-saw-kwah
A small town named after the Native word "Big Bend" for being located on a curve of Des Moines River.
Monticello
MONTI-CHELLO
A city in Jones County, sharing its name with Thomas Jefferson's estate.
Nevada
neh-VAY-duh
City in central Iowa (different from the state pronunciation)
Osceola
oh-see-OH-luh
A city in Clarke County, named after the Seminole leader.
Quasqueton
kwah-skwuh-TON
A small city in Buchanan County, with a name challenging to pronounce.
Tripoli
trih-POH-luh
A city in Bremer County, sharing its name with the capital of Libya.
Waukee
wah-KEE
A rapidly growing city in Dallas County, often mispronounced by newcomers.
What Cheer
WAT-cheer
A city in Keokuk County with a unique name, often leading to pronunciation challenges.
Arkansas River
AR-kan-saw
River flowing through Kansas
Chautauqua
sha-TAW-kwuh
A county and city in Kansas, named after Chautauqua County, New York.
Neodesha
nee-oh-duh-SHAY
A city in Wilson County, with a name derived from the Osage language.
Osawatomie
oh-suh-WAH-tuh-mee
A city named by combining the names of two Native American tribes: Osage and Pottawatomie.
Olathe
oh-LAY-thuh
A city in Johnson County, with a name meaning "beautiful" in Shawnee.
Salina
suh-LIE-nuh
City in central Kansas
Schoenchen
SHANE-chun
A city in Ellis County, with a name of Volga German origin.
Kiowa
KAI-oh-wuh
A city named after the Kiowa Native American tribe.
Iuka
eye-YOU-kah
A city named after a battle in Mississippi, with a name derived from a Native American chief.
Athens
AY-thins
A small community, often mispronounced as ATH-ens.
Bellarmine
BELL-ur-min
A university in Louisville, often mispronounced as BELL-ar-mine.
Buechel
BYOO-chul
A neighborhood in Louisville, mispronounced as BYOO-chell and other ways.
Cadiz
KAY-diz
A city in Trigg County, pronounced "KAY-diz," not like the Spanish city "KAH-deez."
Daviess
DAY-viss
A county in Kentucky, pronounced "DAY-viss," not "Duh-VEESE."
Louisville
LOO-uh-vul
Largest city in Kentucky
Mike Linnig’s
Mike LINN-ings
A popular seafood restaurant named Mike LINN-igs but the locals call it Mike LINN-ings.
Tyewhoppety
Tih-WAH-pih-tee
A town in Kentucky
Versailles
ver-SALES
City in central Kentucky
Atchafalaya
uh-CHA-fuh-LIE-uh
A distributary of the Mississippi River
Baton Rouge
BAT-un ROOJ
The capital of Louisiana, meaning "Red Stick" in French.
Bayou
BUY-oh
A slow-moving body of water common in the Louisiana wetlands.
Beignets
Ben-YAY
A French-style powdered donut, popular in New Orleans.
Bogue Chitto
BOHG-chit-uh
A state park and river, pronounced "BOHG-chit-uh," not "BOHG-chee-toh."
Bogue Falaya
BOHG-fuh-LIE-uh
A river in St. Tammany and Washington parishes, pronounced "BOHG-fuh-LIE-uh," not "BOHG-fuh-LAY-uh."
Boudin
BOO-dan
A Cajun sausage made from pork, rice, and spices, often served in links or as a filling.
Broussard
BROO-sard
A town near Lafayette with a rich Cajun heritage.
Chartres
CHAR-ter
A historic street in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Evangeline
ee-VAN-juh-leen
A symbol of Acadian culture, based on Longfellow’s epic poem.
Fais do-do
fay-DOE-doe
A Cajun dance party, often held in community halls or barns.
Gris-gris
GREE-gree
A voodoo amulet or charm meant to ward off evil or bring good luck.
Grosse Tête
GROHS-tet
A village in Iberville Parish, pronounced "GROHS-tet," not "GROSS-tayt."
Lafayette
LAF-ee-yet
A city in southern Louisiana known for its Cajun and Creole culture.
Lagniappe
LAN-yap
A small, unexpected gift given to customers; a hallmark of southern hospitality.
Metairie
MET-uh-ree
A suburb of New Orleans.
Natchitoches
NAH-code-ish
A city in Louisiana and the oldest settlement of the Louisiana Purchase.
Opelousas
OH-puh-loo-sas
A historic city in Louisiana known as the “Spice Capital of the World.”
Ponchartrain
PON-chuh-train
A large lake in southern Louisiana.
Praline
PRAH-leen
A sweet candy made from sugar, nuts, and cream, often associated with New Orleans.
Second Line
SEK-uhnd LYN
A traditional parade or procession, often with brass bands, rooted in African-American culture.
Tangipahoa
TAN-juh-pah-HOA
A river and parish, pronounced "TAN-juh-pah-HOA," not "TAN-gee-pah-HO-ah."
Tchefuncte
chuh-FUNK-tuh
A river in southwest Louisiana, pronounced "chuh-FUNK-tuh," not "TCHAY-funk-tee."
Tchoupitoulas
CHOP-uh-too-luhs
A street in New Orleans named after a Native American tribe
Thibodaux
TIB-uh-doh
A small city in southern Louisiana.
Treme
truh-MAY
A historic New Orleans neighborhood known for its jazz heritage.
Zydeco
ZIGH-duh-co
A music genre blending French, African, and Caribbean influences, central to Cajun identity.
Arundel
uh-RUN-d’l
A town often mispronounced due to its unique ending.
Bangor
BANG-gor
City in central Maine
Calais
CAL-iss
City in eastern Maine
Damariscotta
dam-uh-riss-COTT-uh
Known for its oyster festival, often mispronounced.
Katahdin
Kuh-TA-din
The highest mountain in Maine, name of Native American origin.
Machias
Muh-CHIGH-us
A coastal town with a name often mispronounced.
Monhegan
Mun-HE-gun
An island popular with artists, name often mispronounced.
Passamaquoddy
Pass-uh-muh-QUAD-dee
A Native American tribe and bay, name often mispronounced.
Saco
SOCK-oh
A city in southern Maine with a commonly mispronounced name.
Schoodic
SKOO-dick
A peninsula known for its rugged beauty, name often mispronounced.
Sebago
suh-BAY-go
A lake and town, name often mispronounced.
Topsham
TOPS-’m
A town whose name is often mispronounced by visitors.
Wiscasset
wiss-CASS-it
Known as the "prettiest village in Maine," name often mispronounced.
Woolwich
WOOL-itch
A town with a name that often confuses non-locals.
Assateague
ASS-uh-teeg
A barrier island known for its wild horses.
Bowie
BOO-ee
City in central Maryland
Havre de Grace
HAV-ruh-deh-Grace
A town named after the French city, often mispronounced due to its French origin.
Ijamsville
EYE-emz-ville
A community in Frederick County, with a silent "j."
La Plata
La-PLAY-tah
A town in Southern Maryland, often mispronounced due to its Spanish origin.
Maryland
MARE-uh-lind
State name pronunciation
Patapsco
Puh-TAP-sko
A river and state park, name derived from Native American language.
Worcester
WOOS-ter
A county on the Eastern Shore, often mispronounced due to its English origin.
Gloucester
GLOSS-tuh
Historic fishing city on Cape Ann
Leicester
les-ter
Town in Massachusetts with a simplified pronunciation.
Leominster
lem-in-ster
Commonly mispronounced town in Massachusetts.
Medford
mef-id
Often pronounced differently by locals.
Peabody
pee-buh-dee
Town with a distinct local pronunciation.
Tewksbury
tooks-berry
Town near Lowell with a mispronounced name.
Tremont Street
treh-mont
Street name often pronounced differently.
Woburn
woo-burn
Can also be pronounced "woo-bun" depending on the accent.
Worcester
WUSS-tuh
City in central Massachusetts
Allouez
alla way
A village in Keweenaw County.
Au Gres
aw gray
A city in Arenac County.
Bete Grise
bay-de-gree
A community in Keweenaw County.
Bois Blanc
boy blonk
An island in Lake Huron.
Charlevoix
shar luh voy
A city in northern Michigan.
Charlotte
shar lott
A city in Eaton County.
Dowagiac
doh wah zhee ack
A city in Cass County.
Epoufette
ep oo fett
A community in Mackinac County.
Gratiot
grash it
A county in central Michigan.
Grosse Ile
gross eel
An island township in Wayne County.
Hamtramck
ham tram ick
A city surrounded by Detroit.
Keweenaw
kee wen aw
A county in the Upper Peninsula.
Kitchitikipi
kitch itty kip py
A spring in Palms Book State Park.
Lake Gogebic
lake go gee bick
A large inland lake in the Upper Peninsula.
Lake Orion
lake oh ree an
A village in Oakland County.
Mackinac
MAK-in-aw
Island and bridge in northern Michigan
Milan
my linn
A city in Monroe and Washtenaw counties.
Neebish Island
nee bish
An island in the St. Marys River.
Ocqueoc
ock key ock
A township in Presque Isle County.
Okemos
oh kuh muss
A census-designated place in Ingham County.
Onekama
oh neck em uh
A village in Manistee County.
Onondaga
onnin day ga
A township in Ingham County.
Ontonagon
ontin noggin
A village in the Upper Peninsula.
Ossineke
ossin eek
A community in Alpena County.
Pointe Aux Barques
point aw barks
A lighthouse in Huron County.
Pointe Aux Pins
point aw pin
A community on Mackinac Island.
Ponshewaing
pon sha wayng
A community in Emmet County.
Presque Isle
presk eel
A county in the Lower Peninsula.
Quinnesec
kwinn eh seck
A community in Dickinson County.
Sault Ste. Marie
soo saint marie
A city in the Upper Peninsula.
Sebewaing
see-buh-wing
A village in Huron County, known for its Sugar Festival and proximity to Saginaw Bay.
Zeeland
zee-luhnd
A city in Ottawa County, named after the Dutch province of Zeeland.
Aitkin
Aye-kin
A city in Aitkin County, often mispronounced as "Ate-kin."
Bemidji
Buh-midge-ee
A city in Beltrami County, commonly mispronounced as "Bee-midge-ee."
Chokio
Sha-kie-oh
A city in Stevens County, often mispronounced as "Show-key-oh."
Cloquet
Kloh-kay
A city in Carlton County, commonly mispronounced as "Clo-kwet."
Edina
Ee-dine-uh
A city in Hennepin County, often mispronounced as "Ed-in-uh."
Ely
Ee-lee
A city in Saint Louis County, commonly mispronounced as "Ee-lie."
Faribault
Fair-boh
A city in Rice County, often mispronounced as "Fair-uh-balt."
Isanti
Eye-san-tee
A city in Isanti County, commonly mispronounced as "Ee-san-tee."
Lutsen
Loot-sen
An unincorporated community in Cook County, often mispronounced as "Lut-sen."
Mahtomedi
Mah-toe-me-die
A city in Washington County, commonly mispronounced as "Mat-toe-me-die."
New Prague
New Pray-g
A city in Le Sueur and Scott counties, often mispronounced as "New Prog."
Shakopee
Shock-uh-pee
A city in Scott County, commonly mispronounced as "Sha-ko-pee."
Wayzata
Why-zet-uh
A city in Hennepin County, often mispronounced as "Way-zat-uh."
Winona
Wuh-noh-nuh
A city in Winona County, commonly mispronounced as "Why-noh-nuh."
Biloxi
bih-LUCK-see
A city on the Gulf Coast, often mispronounced as "bi-LOCK-see."
Gautier
GO-shay
A city in Jackson County, commonly mispronounced due to its French origin.
Natchez
NATCH-iz
Historic city on the Mississippi River
Pass Christian
pass kris-CHEN
A city on the Gulf Coast, often mispronounced as "pass christian."
Saucier
SOH-shur
An unincorporated community in Harrison County, often mispronounced due to its French origin.
Tchoutacabouffa River
choo-tah-kah-BUH-fuh
A river in southern Mississippi with a challenging name of Native American origin.
Toomsuba
toom-SOO-bah
An unincorporated community in Lauderdale County, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Yalobusha
yah-loh-BUSH-uh
A county in Mississippi, often mispronounced due to its Native American origin.
Auxvasse
Of-aw-zzz
A city in Callaway County, often mispronounced due to its French origin.
Bolivar
Ball-i-ver
A city in Polk County, pronounced differently from the South American country.
Bona
Bonnie
An unincorporated community in Dade County, with a pronunciation that may surprise newcomers.
Carondelet
kuh-RAHN-duh-let
Historic neighborhood in St. Louis
Hayti
Hay-Tie
A city in Pemiscot County, pronounced differently from the Caribbean nation.
Kearney
Car-knee
A city in Clay County, with a pronunciation that may not be intuitive.
Lebanon
Lebuh-nun
A city in Laclede County, pronounced differently from the Middle Eastern country.
Nevada
Ne-VAY-duh
A city in Vernon County, pronounced differently from the western state.
Versailles
Ver-SAIL-s
A city in Morgan County, pronounced differently from the French city.
Absarokee
ab-SOR-kee
A town in Stillwater County, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Butte
BYOOT
Mining city in southwestern Montana
Choteau
SHO-toe
A city in Teton County, pronounced differently from its French origin.
Ekalaka
ee-kuh-LAK-uh
A town in Carter County, named after a Sioux woman, with a pronunciation that may surprise newcomers.
Havre
HAV-ur
A city in Hill County, named after Le Havre, France, but pronounced differently.
Helena
HEL-en-uh
The capital city of Montana, often mispronounced as "Hell-EE-nuh."
Meagher County
MAR
A county in Montana, pronounced "MAR" instead of "Meager."
Olney
ALL-nee
A community in Flathead County, pronounced with an "AWL" sound.
Pondera
pon-der-AY
A county in Montana, pronounced similarly to "Pend d’Orielle."
Ravalli
ruh-VAL-lee
A county in Montana, often mispronounced as "ruh-VOLL-ee."
Ronan
row-NAN
A city in Lake County, pronounced "row-NAN" instead of "ROW-nan."
Wibaux
WEE-boh
A town in Wibaux County, named after Pierre Wibaux, with a pronunciation that may not be intuitive.
Yaak
YAK
An unincorporated community in Lincoln County, pronounced "YAK" despite its double "a."
Beatrice
bee-AT-riss
A city in Gage County, often mispronounced as "BEE-uh-triss."
Kearney
CAR-nee
A city in Buffalo County, pronounced differently from its spelling.
Norfolk
NOR-fork
A city in Madison County, pronounced as "NOR-fork" instead of "NOR-folk."
Hooper
HOO-pur
A city in Dodge County, pronounced with a short "oo" sound.
Tekamah
teh-KAY-muh
A city in Burt County, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Steinauer
STEEN-ow-er
A village in Pawnee County, pronounced as "STEEN-ow-er" instead of "STINE-ow-er."
Omaha
OH-muh-haw
The largest city in Nebraska, sometimes mispronounced as "OH-ma-ha."
Papillion
puh-PILL-yun
A city in Sarpy County, pronounced as "puh-PILL-yun" instead of "puh-PILL-ee-on."
Wahoo
WAH-hoo
A city in Saunders County, pronounced as "WAH-hoo" instead of "WAY-hoo."
Weeping Water
WEE-ping WAW-ter
A city in Cass County, sometimes mispronounced as "WEEP-ing WAH-ter."
Ely
EE-lee
A city in White Pine County, often mispronounced as "Ellie" or "Eli."
Hiko
HIKE-oh
A small community in Lincoln County, pronounced "HIKE-oh" instead of "HICK-oh."
Mina
MINE-uh
A community in Mineral County, pronounced "MINE-uh" instead of "MEE-nah."
Moapa
moh-AH-pah
A town in Clark County, sometimes mispronounced as "MOH-ap-uh."
Nevada
nuh-VAD-uh
The state name is often mispronounced as "nuh-VAH-duh." The correct pronunciation uses a short "a" sound, as in "cat."
Owyhee
oh-WYE-hee
A town in northern Nevada, pronounced similarly to "Hawaii."
Pahranagat
puh-RAN-uh-gat
A valley and wildlife refuge, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Pahrump
puh-RUMP
City in southern Nevada
Pioche
pee-OACH
A town in Lincoln County, pronounced "pee-OACH" instead of "pee-OH-shay."
Amoskeag
am-uh-skayg
Derived from the Pennacook word "Namoskeag," meaning "good fishing place." Refers to the Amoskeag Falls on the Merrimack River in Manchester.
Ashuelot
ash-wee-luht
A river in southwestern New Hampshire, tributary of the Connecticut River.
Belknap
bel-nap
A county in New Hampshire, home to towns like Laconia and Belmont.
Berlin
BURR-lin
A city in Coös County, pronounced differently from the German capital.
Boscawen
BOS-ca-win
A town in Merrimack County, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Chocorua
shoh-kor-oh-wah
A prominent summit in the White Mountains, known for its scenic beauty.
Concord
KON-kerd
Capital city of New Hampshire
Contoocook
con-tuk-uk
A village within the town of Hopkinton in Merrimack County.
Kancamagus
kaynk-uh-mah-guhs
Refers to the Kancamagus Highway, a scenic route in the White Mountains.
Lebanon
LEHB-uh-nuhn
A city in Grafton County, pronounced differently from the Middle Eastern country.
Lyndeborough
LYND-bur-oh
A town in Hillsborough County, often mispronounced by outsiders.
Pemigewasset
pehm-ih-juh-wah-seht
Known locally as "The Pemi," this river flows beneath the Blair Covered Bridge.
Penacook
pehn-uh-kuk
A community within the city of Concord, originally called "Fisherville."
Piscataqua
pih-skat-uh-kwaw
A river forming part of the boundary between New Hampshire and Maine.
Plaistow
PLAH-stow
A town in Rockingham County, pronounced with a silent "i."
Sanbornton
San-BORN-tuhn
A town in Belknap County, often mispronounced due to its spelling.
Stratham
STRA-tuhm
A town in Rockingham County, pronounced with a silent "h."
Winnipesaukee
wihn-uh-puh-sawkee
The largest lake in New Hampshire, a popular tourist destination.
Absecon
ab-SEE-con
A city in Atlantic County, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Allamuchy
al-uh-MOO-chee
A township in Warren County, derived from a Native American term meaning "place in the hills."
Bernards Township
BER-nards
A township in Somerset County, often mispronounced as "ber-NARDS."
Bernardsville
BER-nards-vil
A borough in Somerset County, pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable.
Buena
BYOO-nuh
A borough in Atlantic County, pronounced differently from the Spanish word for "good."
Forked River
FOR-ked RIV-er
A community in Lacey Township, Ocean County, with a two-syllable pronunciation for "Forked."
Gloucester
GLAW-ster
A county and city in New Jersey, pronounced with a silent "c."
Ho-Ho-Kus
HO-ho-kus
Borough in Bergen County
Kearny
CAR-nee
A town in Hudson County, often mispronounced due to its spelling.
Mantoloking
man-tuh-LOH-king
A borough in Ocean County, with a name of Native American origin.
Maurice River
MOR-iss RIV-er
A river in southern New Jersey, with "Maurice" pronounced as "Morris."
Metuchen
meh-TUCH-en
A borough in Middlesex County, often mispronounced by non-locals.
Pequannock
peh-KWAN-ick
A township in Morris County, derived from a Native American word.
Secaucus
SEE-kaw-cus
A town in Hudson County, pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable.
Abiquiú
AB-ick-you
A small town known for its rich history and as the home of artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Arroyo Seco
Ahr-oi-ya say-ko
A village in Taos County, with a name meaning "dry stream" in Spanish.
Caballo
Ka-vah-yoh
A town named after the Spanish word for "horse," often mispronounced by non-Spanish speakers.
Chimayó
Chee-my-oh
A community famous for its sanctuary and weaving traditions, with a name that can be challenging for visitors.
Jemez
Hay-mess
Refers to the Jemez Mountains and Pueblo, with a pronunciation that differs from its spelling.
Lamy
Lay-mee
A small town south of Santa Fe, often mispronounced due to its simple spelling.
Madrid
MAD-rid
Historic mining town
Mogollon
Moh-goy-own
A ghost town in Catron County, with a name derived from Spanish that is often mispronounced.
Pojoaque
Poh-wah-kay
A pueblo and census-designated place, with a Tewa name meaning "water drinking place."
Tesuque
Teh-sue-keh
A census-designated place and pueblo, with a Tewa name meaning "narrow place of cottonwood trees."
Tucumcari
Too-come-care-ee
A city on historic Route 66, with a name that poses pronunciation challenges for many.
Binghamton
BING-um-ton
City in southern New York
Bodega
bo-DAY-guh
A small convenience store, often run by Hispanic families, central to NYC neighborhoods.
Canandaigua
kan-uh-DAY-gwuh
City in the Finger Lakes region
Canarsie
kuh-NAR-see
A neighborhood in Brooklyn, originally named after the Canarsee Native Americans.
Chautauqua
sha-TAW-kwa
A town, county, and lake in Western New York, with a name of Native American origin.
Coxsackie
cook-SAH-kee
A town in Greene County, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling. The name is derived from an Algonquin word meaning "place of owls."
Fteley Avenue
fuh-tel-lee
A street in New York with a tricky pronunciation.
Gansevoort Street
gan-suh-vort
A street often mispronounced by visitors.
Gowanus
guh-WAH-nus
A Brooklyn canal and neighborhood with roots in the Lenape language.
Houston Street
house-ton
Named after William Houston, pronounced differently than the Texas city.
Joralemon Street
jor-ah-le-mon
Named after Tumis Joralemon, the first to own a brick house in Brooklyn.
Kaatskill
KATS-skill
An older spelling of the Catskill Mountains, rooted in Dutch heritage.
Knish
kuh-NISH
A traditional Jewish pastry filled with potatoes or meat, sold in delis.
Kosciuszko Street
ka-zee-oo-skow
Americanized pronunciation; Polish speakers say "ko-shoos-ko."
Maujer Street
moy-jer
Brooklyn street renamed in 1937 to honor Daniel Maujer.
New Utrecht Avenue
you-trek
Named after the colony established in 1652.
Oneonta
oh-nee-ON-tuh
A city in Otsego County, often mispronounced due to its unique combination of vowels.
Poughkeepsie
puh-KIP-see
A city in Dutchess County, with a name derived from a Wappinger word meaning "the reed-covered lodge by the little water place."
Schenectady
skuh-NEK-tuh-dee
City in eastern New York
Schermerhorn Street
skir-mir-horn
Brooklyn street named after the Schermerhorn family.
Schlep
shlep
A Yiddish word meaning to carry or drag something, reflecting the city’s Jewish influence.
Spuyten Duyvil
SPITE-en DIVE-ul
A neighborhood in the Bronx, its name means "spouting devil" in Dutch.
Taughannock
tuh-GAN-ick
Home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls and parks in New York State.
Wappinger
WAH-pin-jer
A town in Dutchess County, named after the Wappinger tribe.
Ahoskie
uh-HOSS-kee
A town in Hertford County.
Appalachian
ap-uh-LATCH-un
Mountain range and region in western North Carolina
Bahama
ba-HAY-ma
An unincorporated community in northern Durham County.
Beaufort
BO-furt
A town in Carteret County; not to be confused with Beaufort, SC.
Bertie County
ber-TEE
A county located in the northeastern part of the state.
Chalybeate Springs
ka-LIB-ee-ut
A community in Harnett County.
Chinquapin
CHINK-a-pin
A town in Duplin County.
Chocowinity
chock-uh-WIN-uh-tee
A town in Beaufort County.
Conetoe
kuh-NEE-tuh
A town in Edgecombe County.
Cullowhee
KULL-uh-wee
A community in Jackson County, home to Western Carolina University.
Fuquay-Varina
FEW-kway vuh-REE-nah
A town in Wake County.
Mebane
MEB-in
A city in Alamance County.
Nantahala
nan-tuh-HAY-luh
A region in the western part of the state, known for the Nantahala River.
Ocracoke
OAK-ra-coke
A village on Ocracoke Island in Hyde County.
Saxapahaw
SACKS-uh-pa-haw
A census-designated place in Alamance County.
Wendell
wen-DELL
A town in Wake County.
Zebulon
ZEB-yoo-luhn
A town in Wake County.
Aneta
ah-NET-ah
A town located about 60 miles southwest of Grand Forks, often mispronounced as "ah-NEAT-ah."
Arnegard
ARE-nee-guard
A town in McKenzie County, sometimes mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Bucyrus
BYOO-sigh-rus
A small town in Adams County, often mispronounced as "buck-ee-russ."
Kulm
kahlm
A town in LaMoure County, pronounced similarly to "calm."
Mekinock
MECK-in-ock
A town just north of the Grand Forks Air Force Base, sometimes referred to as "Me-Kin-ock."
Minot
MYE-not
A city in Ward County, often mispronounced as "My-not."
Minto
MIN-toh
A town located just south of Grafton, commonly mispronounced by out-of-staters.
Palermo
PAL-er-mow
A small community in Mountrail County, pronounced differently from its Italian counterpart.
Williston
WILL-iss-tun
City in western North Dakota
Wyndmere
WIND-meer
A town in Richland County, often mispronounced due to its spelling.
Ypsilanti
IP-sil-AN-tee
A community in Stutsman County, with a name that poses pronunciation challenges.
Bellefontaine
behl-FOWN-tuhn
A city in Logan County, pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, rhyming with "fountain."
Bucyrus
bew-SIGH-russ
A city in Crawford County, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Celina
suh-LYE-nuh
A city in Mercer County, pronounced with a long "i" sound in the second syllable.
Chillicothe
chill-uh-KAW-thee
A city in Ross County, with a name derived from a Shawnee word meaning "principal town."
Conneaut
KAW-nee-awt
A city in Ashtabula County, located along Lake Erie, with a name of Native American origin.
Cuyahoga
kye-uh-HO-guh
A county and river in Ohio, with a name derived from a Native American word meaning "crooked river."
Gallipolis
gal-ih-POH-liss
A city in Gallia County, founded by French settlers, with a name meaning "City of the Gauls."
Gnadenhutten
guh-NAY-dn-hoo-tn
A village in Tuscarawas County, with a name meaning "Tents of Grace" in German.
Lancaster
LANG-kast-er
A city in Fairfield County, pronounced differently from its English namesake.
Lima
LYE-muh
A city in Allen County, pronounced differently from the capital of Peru.
Louisville
LEW-iss-vil
A city in Stark County, pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable.
Mantua
MAN-uh-way
A village in Portage County, pronounced with three syllables.
Massillon
MASS-ih-luhn
A city in Stark County, with a name of French origin.
Medina
meh-DYE-nuh
A city in Medina County, pronounced differently from its Middle Eastern namesake.
Milan
MY-luhn
A village in Erie and Huron counties, pronounced differently from the Italian city.
Piqua
PIK-wah
A city in Miami County, with a name derived from a Shawnee word.
Scioto
sigh-OH-tuh
A river and county in Ohio, with a name derived from a Native American word meaning "deer."
Versailles
ver-SALES
A village in Darke County, pronounced differently from the French city.
Wapakoneta
wah-pah-kah-NET-uh
A city in Auglaize County, known as the birthplace of astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Wooster
WUSS-ter
A city in Wayne County, pronounced with a silent "o."
Xenia
ZEEN-yuh
A city in Greene County, with a name meaning "hospitality" in Greek.
Achille
a-CHILL-ee
A town in Bryan County, often mispronounced due to its resemblance to "Achilles." The correct pronunciation is "a-CHILL-ee."
Bokchito
BOHK-chee-tah
A town in Bryan County, with a name meaning "big creek" in Choctaw. Often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Checotah
sheh-COH-tuh
A city in McIntosh County, named after Samuel Checote, the first chief of the Creek Nation after the Civil War. Commonly mispronounced due to the "Ch" beginning.
Chickasha
CHICK-uh-shay
A city in Grady County, with a name derived from the Choctaw word for "Chickasaw." Often mispronounced due to its spelling.
Coweta
co-WEE-tuh
A city in Wagoner County, named after a Creek Indian war town. The pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable.
Eufaula
you-FAW-luh
A city in McIntosh County, named after a Muscogee Creek tribe. Often mispronounced due to its unique combination of vowels.
Hobart
HO-bert
A city in Kiowa County, named after Garret Hobart, 24th Vice President of the U.S. Pronounced with a silent "a."
Miami
my-AM-uh
A city in Ottawa County, pronounced differently from Miami, Florida. The local pronunciation is "my-AM-uh."
Nowata
NO-wah-tuh
City in northeastern Oklahoma
Okmulgee
ok-MUHL-gee
A city in Okmulgee County, named after a Creek word meaning "boiling waters." Often mispronounced due to its complex spelling.
Ouachita
WAH-shuh-tah
Refers to a mountain range, river, and county, with a name of French origin. The pronunciation is "WAH-shuh-tah."
Poteau
POH-toh
A city in Le Flore County, with a French name meaning "post." Often mispronounced due to its French spelling.
Sallisaw
SAL-ih-saw
A city in Sequoyah County, with a name derived from the French word "salaison," meaning "salt provisions."
Skiatook
SKY-uh-took
A city in Osage and Tulsa counties, with a name believed to mean "big injun me" in Cherokee.
Tahlequah
TAH-luh-kwah
A city in Cherokee County, the capital of the Cherokee Nation. Pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable.
Wynnewood
WIN-ee-wood
A city in Garvin County, named after Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Pronounced with three syllables.
Aloha
uh-LOW-uh
A community west of Portland, pronounced differently from the Hawaiian greeting.
Champoeg
sham-POO-ee
A historic area significant for early Oregon governance.
Chautauqua
shuh-TAH-kwuh
A street in Portland, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Clackamas
CLACK-uh-muss
A county and river in Oregon, with a name of Native American origin.
Coquille
ko-KEEL
A city and river in southwestern Oregon.
Couch Street (Portland)
KOOCH
If it feels naughty, you're saying it right. a street in downtown Portland, often mispronounced as Couch (like a sofa).
Deschutes
duh-SHOOTS
A county and river in Oregon, with a name derived from French.
Glisan
GLEE-sun
A street in Portland, often mispronounced due to its spelling.
Helvetia
hel-VAY-sha
A community in Washington County, named after the Latin name for Switzerland.
Langlois
LANG-loyce
A community in Curry County, with a pronunciation that rhymes with "Joyce."
Madras
MAD-russ
A city in Jefferson County, pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable.
Molalla
moe-LAH-lah
A city in Clackamas County, named after the Molalla River.
Multnomah
mult-NO-mah
A county and neighborhood in Portland, with a name of Native American origin.
Philomath
fill-OH-muth
A city in Benton County, with a name meaning "lover of learning."
Scio
SIGH-oh
A city in Linn County, pronounced with two syllables.
Siletz
sill-ETZ
A city and river in Lincoln County, with a name of Native American origin.
Siuslaw
sigh-YEW-slaw
A river and national forest in western Oregon.
Tigard
TIE-gurd
A city in Washington County, pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable.
Tualatin
too-AWL-uh-tin
A city and river in Washington County, with a name of Native American origin.
Willamette
will-AM-it
A river and valley in western Oregon, with a name believed to mean "still water."
Yachats
YAH-hots
A coastal city in Lincoln County, with a name of Native American origin.
Yaquina
ya-KWINN-ah
A bay, river, and head in Lincoln County, with a name of Native American origin.
Conshohocken
con-sho-HOCK-en
A borough in Montgomery County, its name is derived from the Lenape language, meaning "pleasant valley."
DuBois
doo-BOYS
A city in Clearfield County, named after its founder, John DuBois.
Duquesne
doo-KANE
A city in Allegheny County, named after Fort Duquesne, reflecting its French origins.
Lancaster
LANG-kiss-ter
A city in south-central Pennsylvania, pronounced differently from its English namesake.
Lititz
LIT-its
A borough in Lancaster County, founded by members of the Moravian Church.
Monongahela
muh-NON-gah-HEE-luh
A city in Washington County, named after the Monongahela River.
Punxsutawney
punk-suh-TAW-nee
A borough in Jefferson County, famous for its Groundhog Day celebrations.
Schuylkill
SKOO-kill
A river and county in Pennsylvania, with a name of Dutch origin meaning "hidden river."
Sepviva
Sa-VIVE-a
A street in Philadelphia, with a name rooted in historical local significance.
Susquehanna
susk-wuh-HAN-uh
A river and county in Pennsylvania, with a name derived from the Lenape language.
Versailles
ver-SALES
A borough in Allegheny County, pronounced differently from the French city.
Wilkes-Barre
wilks-BERRY
A city in Luzerne County, named after John Wilkes and Isaac Barré.
Wissahickon
Wiss-a-hick-on (rhymes with chicken)
A creek and wooded valley in Philadelphia, known for its scenic trails and part of Fairmount Park.
Aquidneck
uh-KWID-neck
The island home to Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth; the middle syllable rhymes with "squid."
Canonchet
cuh-NON-chet
A rural area of Hopkinton; stress is on the second syllable.
Conanicut
ko-NAN-eh-kut
The island on which the town of Jamestown is located.
Cowesett
ko-WEE-set
A neighborhood in Warwick; pronounced without a "cow" sound.
Escoheag
ES-ko-hog
A rural part of Exeter; some pronounce it "ES-ko-heag" with a long "e" in the final syllable.
Kickemuit
kick-eh-MEW-it
A river flowing through Warren and Bristol; the second-to-last syllable rhymes with "new."
Matunuck
muh-TOO-nick
A village in South Kingstown; the first "u" is long, the second is short.
Miantonomi
MY-ann-toe-no-me
A park and street in Newport; stress is on the first syllable.
Misquamicut
MISS-kwahm-eh-kut
A beach and surrounding area in Westerly.
Moshassuck
mo-SHAS-uck
One of the two rivers that converge in downtown Providence.
Narragansett
nair-uh-GAN-sit
A town and bay in Rhode Island; name derived from the Narragansett people.
Pascoag
PASS-ko-ag
A village in Burrillville; name means "the dividing place" in Nipmuck.
Pawtucket
paw-TUCK-it
A city in Providence County; name means "at the falls in the river" in Narragansett.
Quonochontaug
kwon-uh-KON-tawg
A village in Charlestown; name means "home of the blackfish" in Narragansett.
Scituate
SIT-chew-it
A town in Providence County; name means "at the cold spring/brook" in Wampanoag.
Usquepaugh
US-kwee-paw
A village in South Kingstown; name means "at the end of the pond" in Narragansett.
Weekapaug
WEEK-uh-pawg
A beachfront community; name means "at the end of the pond" in Narragansett.
Woonsocket
woon-SOCK-it
A city in Providence County; name means "place of steep descent" in Nipmuck.
Alcolu
al-CUH-loo
An unincorporated community in Clarendon County.
Beaufort
BYOO-furt
A city in Beaufort County; not to be confused with Beaufort, NC.
Blenheim
BLEN-um
A town in Marlboro County, known for its namesake ginger ale.
Bonneau
BUN-oh
A town in Berkeley County.
Cayce
KAY-see
A city in Lexington County.
Chapin
CHAY-pin
A town in Lexington County.
Cheraw
chuh-RAW
A town in Chesterfield County.
Clemson
CLEMP-sun
City and university in western South Carolina
Clinton
CLIN-nin
A city in Laurens County.
Eutawville
YOU-tah-vil
A town in Orangeburg County.
Galivants Ferry
GAL-uh-vints FAIR-ee
An unincorporated community in Horry County.
Gullah
GUL-lah
The culture and language of African Americans in the Lowcountry, blending African and English influences.
Haint Blue
HAYNT BLOO
A color painted on porches and doors to ward off evil spirits, rooted in Gullah traditions.
Lancaster
LANG-kast-er
A city in Lancaster County.
Lowcountry Boil
LOH-kun-tree BOIL
A regional dish featuring shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, central to southern gatherings.
Lugoff
LOO-goff
A census-designated place in Kershaw County.
Okatie
OH-kuh-tee
A rural area in Beaufort and Jasper counties, known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Lowcountry.
Okra
OH-krah
A vegetable widely used in southern and Gullah cuisine, often in stews or fried.
Sweetgrass Basket
SWEET-grass BAS-ket
A traditional Gullah craft made from local sweetgrass, often sold in Charleston markets.
Belle Fourche
bel-FOOSH
A city in Butte County, named after the French term for "beautiful fork."
Kadoka
kuh-DOH-kuh
A town in Jackson County, with a name meaning "hole in the wall" in Lakota.
Lead
LEED
Historic mining city in western South Dakota
Oacoma
oh-uh-KOH-muh
A town in Lyman County, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
Pierre
PEER
The capital city of South Dakota, pronounced as "peer" rather than the French "pee-AIR."
Sisseton
SIS-uh-ton
A city in Roberts County, named after the Sisseton division of the Sioux tribe.
Wakpala
wahk-PAH-lah
A community in Corson County, with a name meaning "creek" in Lakota.
Wasta
WAH-stah
A town in Pennington County, derived from the Dakota word meaning "good."
Wewela
wee-WEE-lah
An unincorporated community in Tripp County, with a name meaning "small spring" in Lakota.
Yankton
YANK-tun
A city in Yankton County, named after the Yankton tribe of the Sioux.
Beersheba Springs
BURSH-uh-buh Springs
A town in Grundy County, often mispronounced due to its unique spelling. Locals pronounce it as "BURSH-uh-buh Springs."
Celina
suh-LY-nuh
A city in Clay County, pronounced as "suh-LY-nuh," not "suh-LEE-nuh."
Demonbreun Street
de-MUN-bree-un
A street in Nashville, pronounced as "de-MUN-bree-un," often mispronounced due to its French origin.
Giles County
JAHYLS County
A county in Middle Tennessee, pronounced with a soft "G" as "JAHYLS County."
La Vergne
luh-VERN
A city in Rutherford County, pronounced as "luh-VERN," despite its French-looking spelling.
Lafayette
luh-FAY-it
A city in Macon County, pronounced as "luh-FAY-it," differing from the French pronunciation.
Lebanon
LEB-nun
A city in Wilson County, pronounced as "LEB-nun," not like the country Lebanon.
Maryville
MURR-vuhl
City in eastern Tennessee
Maury County
Mu-ry
Locally pronounced as "Murray County."
Milan
MY-lin
A city in Gibson County, pronounced as "MY-lin," not like the Italian city.
Ocoee River
Oh-co-weee
A river known for its whitewater rafting.
Shelbyville
SHEB-vull
Locally pronounced differently than spelled.
Amarillo
am-uh-RILL-oh
A city in the Texas Panhandle, pronounced with an anglicized ending rather than the Spanish "ah-mah-REE-yo."
Balmorhea
bal-mor-AY
A town in West Texas, named by combining the names of its founders: Balcom, Morrow, and Rhea.
Bexar
bear
A county in South Texas, pronounced as "bear," despite its Spanish origin.
Boerne
BURN-ee
A city northwest of San Antonio, named after German author Ludwig Börne.
Gruene
GREEN
A historic district in New Braunfels, with a German name meaning "green."
Killeen
kuh-LEEN
A city in Central Texas, often mispronounced due to its double "L."
Llano
LAN-oh
A city and county in Central Texas, with a name meaning "plain" in Spanish.
Mexia
muh-HAY-uh
A city in Limestone County, named after José Antonio Mexía.
Nacogdoches
nak-uh-DOH-chess
A city in East Texas, named after the Nacogdoche tribe of Caddo Indians.
Palestine
PAL-es-teen
A city in East Texas, pronounced differently from the Middle Eastern region.
Refugio
re-FYOO-ree-oh
A town in South Texas, with a name meaning "refuge" in Spanish.
San Felipe
san feh-LEE-pee
A town in Austin County, named after Stephen F. Austin's original colony.
Terlingua
ter-LING-gwah
A ghost town near Big Bend, known for its annual chili cook-off.
Waco
WAY-koh
City in central Texas
Waxahachie
wok-suh-HATCH-ee
A city south of Dallas, with a name of Native American origin.
Duchesne
Doo-shayne
A small alpine city in Utah.
Hurricane
HER-uh-kun
A city in Washington County, pronounced as "HER-uh-kun," not like the tropical storm.
Juab
JOO-ab
A county in central Utah, derived from a Paiute word meaning "flat plain."
Kanab
kuh-NAB
A city in southern Utah, named after a Paiute word for "willow."
Kamas
KAM-uss
A city in Summit County, named after an edible wild bulb.
Mantua
MAN-uh-way
A town in Box Elder County, pronounced as "MAN-uh-way," differing from the Italian city.
Moab
MO-ab
A city in eastern Utah, possibly named after the biblical land of Moab or from the Paiute word "moapa," meaning "mosquitoes."
Nephi
NEE-fy
A city in Juab County, named after a prophet in the Book of Mormon.
Oquirrh
OH-kur
A mountain range in northern Utah, named from the Goshute word meaning "wooded mountain."
Tooele
too-ILL-uh
A city and county in northwestern Utah, pronounced as "too-ILL-uh," not as it appears.
Toquerville
TOH-kur-vil
A town in Washington County, named after Paiute Chief Toquer.
Uintah
you-IN-tah
A county and mountain range in northeastern Utah, named from the Ute word for "pine land."
Weber
WEE-ber
A county and river in northern Utah, pronounced as "WEE-ber," not "WEB-er."
Barre
BARRY
Despite its French appearance, this city is pronounced as "Barry."
Calais
CAL-iss
Unlike the French city, this town is pronounced "CAL-iss."
Charlotte
shar-LOT
This town is pronounced "shar-LOT," differing from the North Carolina city.
Chittenden
CHIT-en-den
The county name is pronounced "CHIT-en-den," with emphasis on the first syllable.
Londonderry
LUN-dun-DAIR-ee
This town is pronounced "LUN-dun-DAIR-ee," with emphasis on the first and third syllables.
Montpelier
mont-PEEL-yer
The capital city is pronounced "mont-PEEL-yer," not "mon-pell-yay."
Norwich
NOR-itch
This town is pronounced "NOR-itch," with a silent "w."
Vershire
VER-shire
This town is pronounced "VER-shire," with emphasis on the first syllable.
Worcester
WUSS-ter
This town is pronounced "WUSS-ter," with a silent "ce."
Aquia
ah-KWY-ah
A district in Stafford County, pronounced "ah-KWY-ah," not "ah-KEE-ah."
Botetourt
BOT-uh-tot
A county in the Roanoke region, pronounced "BOT-uh-tot," not "BOAT-tort."
Buena Vista
BYOO-nuh VIS-tuh
An independent city, pronounced "BYOO-nuh VIS-tuh," differing from the Spanish pronunciation.
Chilhowie
chill-HOW-ee
A town in Smyth County, pronounced "chill-HOW-ee," not "chill-HOE-ee."
Fauquier
faw-KEER
A county in Northern Virginia, pronounced "faw-KEER," not "faw-KWAI-er."
Fries
freeze
A town in Grayson County, pronounced "freeze," not like the potato product.
Gloucester
GLOSS-ter
A county in the Tidewater region, pronounced "GLOSS-ter," not "GLOW-chest-er."
Huguenot
HYOO-guh-not
A community in Powhatan County, pronounced "HYOO-guh-not," not "HYOO-gwen-oh."
Jahnke
jank
A neighborhood in Richmond, pronounced "jank," ignoring the "h" and "e."
Loudoun
LOUD-un
A county in Northern Virginia, pronounced "LOUD-un," not "LEW-dun."
Mathews
MATH-ews
A county in the Middle Peninsula, pronounced "MATH-ews," not "MAY-thus."
Matoaca
muh-TOH-kuh
A community in Chesterfield County, pronounced "muh-TOH-kuh," not "muh-TOH-ah-kuh."
Mattaponi
mat-uh-poe-NYE
An unincorporated community in King and Queen County, pronounced "mat-uh-poe-NYE," not "mat-uh-poe-nee."
McGaheysville
muh-GAK-eez-vil
A community in Rockingham County, pronounced "muh-GAK-eez-vil," not "muh-GAY-heez-vil."
Norfolk
NAW-fuhk
An independent city, pronounced "NAW-fuhk," not "NOR-folk."
Poquoson
puh-KOH-sun
An independent city, pronounced "puh-KOH-sun," not "po-KWO-son."
Portsmouth
PORT-smith
An independent city, pronounced "PORT-smith," not "PORTS-mouth."
Powhatan
POW-uh-tan
A county in Central Virginia, pronounced "POW-uh-tan," not "POW-hat-an."
Schuyler
SKY-lur
A community in Nelson County, pronounced "SKY-lur," not "SHOO-ler."
Staunton
STAN-ton
An independent city, pronounced "STAN-ton," not "STAWN-ton."
Suffolk
SUF-fuhk
An independent city, pronounced "SUF-fuhk," not "SUF-folk."
Tappahannock
tap-uh-HAN-ock
A town in Essex County, pronounced "tap-uh-HAN-ock," not "tap-uh-HAN-nock."
Weyers Cave
WEERZ cave
A community in Augusta County, pronounced "WEERZ cave," not "WAY-ers cave."
Zuni
ZOO-nye
A small community in Isle of Wight County, pronounced "ZOO-nye," not "ZOO-nee."
Chehalis
shuh-HAY-lis
A city in Lewis County, pronounced "shuh-HAY-lis," not "CHEE-hal-is."
Cheney
CHEE-nee
A city in Spokane County, pronounced "CHEE-nee," not "CHEY-nee."
Issaquah
ISS-uh-kwah
A city in King County, pronounced "ISS-uh-kwah," not "ISS-uh-quah."
Puyallup
pyoo-AL-up
A city in Pierce County, pronounced "pyoo-AL-up," not "pyoo-ALL-up."
Sequim
skwim
A city in Clallam County, pronounced "skwim," not "SEE-kwim."
Spokane
spoh-KAN
A city in eastern Washington, pronounced "spoh-KAN," not "spoh-KANE."
Steilacoom
STILL-uh-come
A town in Pierce County, pronounced "STILL-uh-come," not "STEE-lah-coom."
Snohomish
snoh-HOH-mish
A city and county in Washington, pronounced "snoh-HOH-mish," not "snoh-HOE-mish."
Snoqualmie
snoh-KWALL-mee
A city in King County, pronounced "snoh-KWALL-mee," not "snoh-KWAL-mee."
Wenatchee
weh-NATCH-ee
A city in Chelan County, pronounced "weh-NATCH-ee," not "weh-NATCH-ay."
Yakima
YAK-ih-mah
A city in central Washington, pronounced "YAK-ih-mah," not "YAK-ih-muh."
Cairo
KAIR-oh
A town in Ritchie County, pronounced "KAIR-oh," not like the Egyptian capital.
Canaan Valley
kuh-NANE VAL-lee
A region in Tucker County, pronounced "kuh-NANE," not like the biblical "Canaan."
Elkins
EL-kins
A city in West Virginia, often mispronounced as "El-KANZ."
Hurricane
HURR-ih-kun
A city in Putnam County, pronounced "HURR-ih-kun," not like the storm.
Kanawha
kuh-NAW
A county and river, pronounced "kuh-NAW," with a silent "w."
Monongahela
muh-NONG-guh-hee-luh
Refers to the Monongahela National Forest and River, often mispronounced as "Mon-on-guh-HEE-luh."
Ronceverte
RON-suh-vert
A city in Greenbrier County, pronounced "RON-suh-vert," not "ron-suh-VER-tay."
Sophia
SO-fee-uh
A town in Raleigh County, pronounced "SO-fee-uh," with emphasis on the first syllable.
Ashwaubenon
ash-WAH-buh-non
A village in Brown County, pronounced "ash-WAH-buh-non," not "ash-WAW-bee-non."
Baraboo
BARE-uh-boo
A city in Sauk County, pronounced "BARE-uh-boo," not "BAR-uh-boo."
Chequamegon
shuh-WAH-muh-gun
A bay and national forest, pronounced "shuh-WAH-muh-gun," not "CHEK-wah-me-gon."
Kaukauna
kuh-KAW-nuh
A city in Outagamie County, pronounced "kuh-KAW-nuh," not "KOW-kaw-nuh."
Kewaunee
kee-WAH-nee
A city and county, pronounced "kee-WAH-nee," not "KEE-wah-nee."
Manitowoc
MAN-ih-tuh-wok
A city in Manitowoc County, pronounced "MAN-ih-tuh-wok," not "MAN-ih-toe-wok."
Menomonee
meh-NAH-muh-nee
As in Menomonee Falls, pronounced "meh-NAH-muh-nee," not "MEN-oh-moh-nee."
Milwaukee
mil-WAH-kee
The largest city in Wisconsin, pronounced "mil-WAH-kee," not "MIL-wah-kee."
Oconomowoc
oh-KAHN-uh-muh-wok
A city in Waukesha County, pronounced "oh-KAHN-uh-muh-wok," not "oh-KAHN-oh-mowk."
Pewaukee
pee-WAH-kee
A city in Waukesha County, pronounced "pee-WAH-kee," not "PEE-wah-kee."
Prairie du Chien
PRAYR-ee doo SHEEN
A city in Crawford County, pronounced "PRAYR-ee doo SHEEN," not "PRAYR-ee doo CHEE-en."
Racine
ruh-SEEN
A city in Racine County, pronounced "ruh-SEEN," not "RAY-seen."
Sheboygan
shuh-BOY-gun
A city in Sheboygan County, pronounced "shuh-BOY-gun," not "SHE-boy-gan."
Waukesha
WAH-keh-shaw
A city in Waukesha County, pronounced "WAH-keh-shaw," not "WAH-kee-shaw."
Wausau
WAH-saw
A city in Marathon County, pronounced "WAH-saw," not "WAH-soo."
Weyauwega
way-uh-WEE-guh
A city in Waupaca County, pronounced "way-uh-WEE-guh," not "WAY-uh-weh-gah."
Wonewoc
WAH-nee-wok
A village in Juneau County, pronounced "WAH-nee-wok," not "WOH-new-ock."
Bairoil
BAIR-oil
A town in Sweetwater County, pronounced "BAIR-oil," not "BAY-roil."
Beulah
BYOO-luh
Town in northeastern Wyoming
Dubois
DOO-boyce or DEW-boyz
Town in western Wyoming
Gros Ventre
GROW-vaunt
A river and mountain range in Wyoming; the name translates to “big belly” in French and reflects the region’s French fur trade history.
Kemmerer
KEM-er-er
A city in Lincoln County, pronounced "KEM-er-er," not "KEM-mer."
Meeteetse
meh-TEET-see
A small town in northwestern Wyoming known for its history, charm, and proximity to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Popo Agie
po-POE-zha
A river and wilderness area, pronounced "po-POE-zha," not "POH-poh AH-gee."
Shoshoni
shuh-SHOW-nee
A town in central Wyoming named after the Shoshone people, reflecting the area’s Native American heritage.
Teton
TEE-tahn
A mountain range in northwestern Wyoming, home to Grand Teton National Park and famous for its dramatic peaks and outdoor recreation.
Togwotee
TOE-guh-dee
A mountain pass in the Absaroka Mountains, offering stunning views and a route to Grand Teton National Park.
Vedauwoo
VEE-duh-VOO
A popular rock climbing and hiking area with unique granite formations near Laramie, Wyoming.
Wapiti
WAH-puh-tee
A community in Park County, pronounced "WAH-puh-tee," not "wah-PEE-tee."
Washakie
WAH-shah-kee
A county and a historic region named after Chief Washakie, a respected Shoshone leader known for his diplomacy and contributions to the settlement of the region.
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