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

Pennsylvania might be famous for cheesesteaks, the Liberty Bell, and a deep commitment to arguing about Sheetz vs. Wawa, but its place names are where outsiders really get exposed. Thanks to a mix of Native American, Dutch, and Pennsylvania German influences, some of these words sound nothing like they look. If you can say them all without hesitation, congratulations—you might just be a true Pennsylvanian.

14 Words Only True Pennsylvanians Can Pronounce

Pennsylvania (Penn-zuhl-VAY-nee-uh)

If you say “Pennsyl-VAN-ya,” you’re probably from out of state.

Schuylkill (SKOO-kill)

If you pronounce every letter, you’re not from Philly.

Conshohocken (Con-shuh-HOCK-en)

If you can say it, you’ve probably been stuck in traffic there.

Punxsutawney (Punk-suh-TAW-nee)

Say it right, or Phil won’t give you an early spring.

Lancaster (LANG-kiss-ter)

If you say “LAN-cas-ter,” you might as well leave now.

Dubois (Doo-BOYS)

The French might disagree, but this is Pennsylvania.

Tunkhannock (Tun-CAN-ick)

If you can say it, you’ve definitely been through the Poconos.

Kittanning (Kit-TAN-ing)

Looks harder than it actually is.

Monongahela (Muh-NONG-guh-HEEL-uh)

Say it fast, and pretend you’ve known it forever.

Wilkes-Barre (Wilkes-BERRY or Wilkes-BEAR)

Both are acceptable, but don’t say “Wilkes-Bar.”

Quakertown (KWAY-kur-town)

A surprisingly normal one, just to trick you.

Ligonier (Lig-uh-NEER)

Not “Lig-oh-near.” And yes, it’s beautiful in the fall.

Bryn Mawr (Brin-Mar)

If you pronounce the “w,” you’re getting laughed at.

Duquesne (Doo-KANE)

The “s” and “e” are just there to confuse people.

If you got all of these right, congratulations—you’ve earned the right to complain about I-76 tolls, debate whether Pittsburgh or Philly has the better food, and roll your eyes at people who don’t know what a “jagoff” is. You also know that pierogies are a way of life, “hoagie” is the correct word, and that yes, the state really does have both Amish buggies and raging tailgaters. For everyone else, just listen, learn, and let a local do the talking—preferably over a Primanti Bros. sandwich.

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