Colorado is known for its breathtaking mountains, unpredictable weather, and a tendency to pronounce things in a way that confuses everyone else. Whether it’s a Native American name, a Spanish word we’ve completely butchered, or a mountain town that only locals know, saying these names wrong is a dead giveaway that you’re not from here. But if these roll off your tongue effortlessly, congratulations—you might just be a true Coloradan.
14 Words Only True Coloradans Can Pronounce
Colorado (Call-uh-RAD-oh)
Not “Call-uh-RAH-do.” If you say it wrong, prepare for judgment.
Buena Vista (Byoo-nuh VIS-tuh)
It should be Spanish, but locals insist otherwise.
Poudre (POO-der)
Yes, it sounds ridiculous, but that’s just how it is.
Uncompahgre (Un-come-PAH-gray)
If you can say it without hesitating, you’ve earned mountain cred.
Louisville (LEWIS-ville)
Don’t even try to say it like Kentucky’s “LOO-uh-vul.”
Saguache (Suh-WATCH)
Absolutely nothing about this is spelled how it sounds.
Cache la Poudre (Cash luh POO-der)
French speakers, look away—it’s been fully Coloradanized.
Manitou (MAN-uh-too)
If you didn’t hike the incline, did you even visit?
Gypsum (JIP-sum)
Not hard to say, but you’ve probably never heard of it unless you live here.
Eldorado (El-duh-RAD-oh)
Just like the state name—Coloradans refuse to say it the “correct” way.
Niwot (NYE-watt)
Extra points if you know about Chief Niwot’s curse.
Paonia (Pay-OWN-yuh)
Not “Paw-knee-uh.” This is farm country, not Parks and Rec.
Gunnison (GUN-uh-sun)
If you don’t know where this is, you probably don’t ski much.
Salida (Suh-LIE-duh)
Spanish pronunciation? We don’t do that here.
If you read through this list and didn’t even pause, you’re a true Coloradan. You know that “14er” isn’t just a number, you’ve spent too much money on outdoor gear, and you have strong feelings about transplants moving in. For everyone else—just point at the map and let a local do the talking.
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