Iowa is home to many towns with names that are notoriously difficult to pronounce, even for locals. Here are ten of the most commonly mispronounced places in the state, along with their correct pronunciations:
1. Ocheyedan
Pronounced oh-CHEE-den, this small town in Osceola County often trips people up. Its name originates from Dakota or Sioux terms meaning “mourning ground”.
2. Maquoketa
The correct pronunciation is muh-COKE-uh-tuh. Many mistakenly say Mah-KOE-KAY-tah.
3. Buena Vista
While the Spanish pronunciation might be BWEH-nah VEE-stah, Iowans say BYOO-nuh VIH-stuh.
4. Guttenberg
This town is pronounced GUT-in-berg, not GOO-ten-berg as some might assume.
5. Tripoli
Unlike the Libyan capital, locals pronounce it trih-POH-luh.
6. What Cheer
This quirky town name can be pronounced either WAT-cheer or WUH-cheer.
7. Chillicothe
Pronounced chill-uh-KAW-thee, this name often confuses visitors.
8. Delhi
Unlike the Indian city, Delhi, Iowa is pronounced del-HIGH.
9. Camanche
Instead of the expected Camanchee, it’s pronounced cah-MANCH.
10. Nevada
In Iowa, Nevada is pronounced neh-VAY-duh, differing from the state’s pronunciation.
These unique pronunciations reflect Iowa’s rich cultural and historical influences, making them a fun challenge for visitors!
Sources:
- https://koel.com/iowa-difficult-pronounciation/
- https://www.howtopronounce.com/maquoketa-iowa-1
- https://www.howtopronounce.com/buena-vista
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guttenberg,_Iowa
- http://www.iowapbs.org/article/11239/whats-name-tripoli
- http://www.iowapbs.org/article/11132/whats-name-what-cheer