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If You Can Pronounce These 14 Words, You’ve Lived in California Too Long


California may be famous for its beaches, Hollywood, and avocado obsession, but it also boasts some of the most confusing place names in the country. If you’ve spent enough time here, you’ve learned that the state’s Spanish, Indigenous, and just plain weird names don’t always follow the rules of English. But if you’re a newbie, prepare to get side-eyed by a local the first time you butcher one of these.

14 Words Only True Californians Can Pronounce

Los Angeles (Laws AN-juh-lus)

If you say “Los ANN-juh-lees,” you’re outing yourself as a tourist.

San Pedro (San PEE-droh)

Don’t let that Spanish spelling fool you; locals made their own rules.

Sepulveda (Suh-PULL-vuh-duh)

Traffic nightmares aside, saying it wrong is a rookie mistake.

Vallejo (Vuh-LAY-ho)

That double “L” isn’t playing by Spanish phonics.

Suisun (Suh-SOON)

You’d never guess it from looking at it.

La Jolla (Luh HOY-uh)

It’s fancy, it’s expensive, and it’s definitely not “La Joll-a.”

Paso Robles (PASS-oh ROH-bulls or ROH-bless)

Say it like a Californian, not like you just walked off a Texas ranch.

Ojai (OH-high)

If you said “Oh-jai,” you owe the hippies an apology.

San Rafael (San Ruh-FELL)

Bay Area folks have their own take on Spanish names, and this is one of them.

Yreka (Why-REE-kuh)

Not to be confused with “Eureka,” which is an entirely different place.

Zzyzx (Zye-zix)

Yes, this is a real place, and no, you’re not allowed to question it.

Tuolumne (TWAH-luh-me)

The spelling alone is enough to break an outsider’s brain.

Tujunga (Too-HUNG-uh)

It’s a neighborhood, not a tongue twister—though it may as well be.

Humboldt (HUM-bolt)

Silent “D,” just like your memory after a trip to one of its dispensaries.

If you breezed through these with ease, you’ve officially earned your spot as a Californian. You’ve argued about In-N-Out vs. Shake Shack, rolled your eyes at people who say “Cali,” and learned that “the 405” isn’t just a freeway—it’s a lifestyle. For everyone else, just smile, nod, and let a local do the talking.

The post If You Can Pronounce These 14 Words, You’ve Lived in California Too Long appeared first on When In Your State.



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