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

Illinois might be home to Chicago, but its true test of residency isn’t deep-dish pizza loyalty—it’s being able to pronounce its place names without hesitation. Thanks to a mix of French, Native American, and Midwestern influences, some of these names are designed to confuse outsiders. If you can say them all correctly, congratulations—you’ve spent way too much time stuck in Illinois traffic.

14 Words Only True Illinoisans Can Pronounce

Illinois (Ill-ih-NOY)

If you pronounce the “s,” you’re officially banned.

Des Plaines (Dess PLANES)

Forget your French; this is Illinois now.

Cairo (KAY-ro)

No pyramids here, just cornfields and confusion.

Marseilles (Mar-SALES)

The French are crying, but we do what we want.

Du Quoin (Doo-KOIN)

Looks fancy, sounds country.

Pecatonica (Pek-uh-TON-uh-kuh)

If you can say it fast, you’ve probably been to the fair.

Moweaqua (Moh-WEE-kwuh)

No, it’s not “Mow-ah-kwa.”

Mahomet (Muh-HOM-it)

Not to be confused with the prophet.

Thebes (Theebs)

This ain’t ancient Egypt, folks.

Kaskaskia (Kas-KAS-kee-uh)

Fun to say, even harder to spell.

Waukegan (Waw-KEE-gun)

Bonus points if you know which comedian grew up here.

Sauk Village (Sock Village)

If you say “Sowk,” you’re not from around here.

Kickapoo (KICK-uh-poo)

Yes, it’s a real place, and yes, we all giggle.

Normal (NOR-mul)

Nothing about Illinois is normal, but this town insists otherwise.

If you got all of these right, congratulations—you’ve earned the right to complain about Chicago traffic and the never-ending construction on I-55. You know that “pop” is the correct word for soda, you’ve had at least one debate over Portillo’s vs. Lou Malnati’s, and you’re emotionally prepared for all four seasons in a single day. For everyone else, just listen, learn, and try not to sound too much like an out-of-towner.

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

Source link