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

West Virginia is known for its breathtaking mountains, pepperoni rolls, and the fact that no, we are not part of Virginia. But if you really want to prove you belong in the Mountain State, you need to master its trickiest place names. With a mix of Native American, Appalachian, and downright stubborn pronunciations, some of these words sound nothing like they look—so if you can pronounce them all effortlessly, congratulations, you might just be a true West Virginian.

14 Words Only True West Virginians Can Pronounce

West Virginia (Wess Vur-JIN-yuh)

If you say “West Virginia” with all the proper syllables, you’re trying too hard.

Hurricane (HER-uh-kun)

If you say “Hurr-i-cane,” you’re either from out of state or watching The Weather Channel.

Kanawha (Kuh-NAW)

Say the “w” and we’re sending you straight to Ohio.

Monongalia (Muh-NON-guh-LEE-uh)

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

Shenandoah (Shen-an-DOE-uh)

Say it right, and someone might take you to a bluegrass festival.

Weirton (WEER-ton)

Not “WIRE-ton.” Just trust us.

Martinsburg (MART-ins-burg)

Not tricky, but say it like you’ve been there.

Gassaway (GASS-uh-way)

Extra points if you know how it got its name.

Capon Bridge (CAPE-un Bridge)

If you say “Cuh-POHN,” go ahead and cross back into Virginia.

Hico (HIGH-ko)

Looks simple, but say it wrong and you’re getting some side-eye.

Sophia (SO-fee-uh)

Not “So-FYE-uh.” The second syllable matters.

Ansted (ANN-sted)

No extra vowels allowed.

Matoaka (Muh-TOE-kuh)

If you can say it, you probably live nearby.

Ronceverte (Ron-SUH-vert)

The French gave up trying to correct us a long time ago.

If you got all of these right, congratulations—you’ve earned the right to debate whether Tudor’s Biscuit World is the best breakfast on Earth, remind outsiders that “Almost Heaven” is more than just a song, and roll your eyes at anyone who thinks West Virginia is just one big holler. You also know that John Denver is basically our state poet, that country roads actually do take you home, and that “y’all” is the only proper way to address a group of people. For everyone else, just listen, learn, and let a local do the talking—preferably over a hot pepperoni roll.

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