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

Rhode Island might be the smallest state, but it packs a punch when it comes to tricky place names. Thanks to a mix of Native American, Italian, and old-school New England influences, some of these words sound nothing like they look. If you can say them all effortlessly, congratulations—you might just be a true Rhode Islander (or at least know where to get a good coffee milk).

14 Words Only True Rhode Islanders Can Pronounce

Rhode Island (Road EYE-lin’)

Drop that “d” if you really want to fit in.

Pawtucket (Puh-TUCK-it)

Not “Paw-tuck-et.” Just let it roll off the tongue.

Narragansett (Nair-uh-GAN-sit)

Say it right, then grab a beer with the same name.

Quonochontaug (KWAH-nuh-kahn-tawg)

If you can say it, you probably summer there.

Misquamicut (Miss-KWAH-muh-kit)

Looks impossible, sounds like a beach day.

Scituate (SIT-choo-it)

If you overpronounce it, we know you’re from out of town.

Warwick (WAR-ick)

The “w” at the end? It’s just there for decoration.

Woonsocket (Win-SOCK-it)

If you can say it, you’ve probably had New York System wieners at 2 a.m.

Exeter (EX-uh-tuh)

It’s not “Ex-it-er.” There’s no rush, take your time.

Hopkinton (HOP-kin-t’n)

The second “t” is optional, especially if you’re in a hurry.

Charlestown (CHAH-ls-town)

No need to fully pronounce that “r.” This is Rhode Island, after all.

Matunuck (Muh-TUN-uck)

If you can say it, you know where to get the best clam cakes.

Saunderstown (SAWN-derz-town)

Not “SAND-erz-town.” Keep it smooth.

East Greenwich (East GREN-itch)

If you say “Green-witch,” you’re getting a side-eye.

If you got all of these right, congratulations—you’ve earned the right to complain about the never-ending Route 95 traffic, debate whether Del’s or Mr. Lemon is better, and insist that clam chowder should never be Manhattan-style. You also know that “stuffies” aren’t toys, you’ll defend coffee milk to the death, and that no one actually calls it “Rhode Island”—it’s just “The Island” or “Lil’ Rhody.” For everyone else, just listen, learn, and let a local do the talking—preferably over a hot wiener, all the way.

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