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

Wisconsin is known for cheese curds, the Packers, and an alarming number of ways to consume beer and brats. But if you really want to prove you belong in the Badger State, you need to master its trickiest place names. Thanks to a mix of Native American, French, and good ol’ Wisconsin vowel-mangling, some of these words sound nothing like they look—so if you can pronounce them all effortlessly, congratulations, you might just be a true Wisconsinite.

14 Words Only True Wisconsinites Can Pronounce

Wisconsin (Wiss-CON-sin)

If you say “Wes-consin” or “Wis-KON-sin,” you’re trying too hard.

Oconomowoc (Oh-CON-oh-muh-wok)

If you can say it, you’ve probably had a few Old Fashioneds there.

Waukesha (WAW-kuh-shaw)

Say it like a local, and don’t even think about calling it “WALK-eh-sha.”

Ashwaubenon (Ash-WAH-buh-non)

If you can pronounce it, you’re either from Green Bay or a hardcore Packers fan.

Kewaunee (Key-WAH-nee)

The trick is not overthinking it.

Menomonee (Muh-NOM-uh-nee)

If you say “Men-oh-moan-ee,” you need to spend more time up north.

Prairie du Chien (Prayer-ee doo SHEEN)

The French got creative, but Wisconsinites made it their own.

Shawano (SHAW-no)

Looks like it should have more syllables, but nope.

Peshtigo (PESH-ti-go)

If you can say it, you probably know about the fire.

Weyauwega (Why-uh-WEE-guh)

If you mess this up, just start over.

La Crosse (Luh-KROSS)

Easy, but say it with a beer in hand for full effect.

Mazomanie (May-zuh-MAY-nee)

If you said “Mazo-main,” we need to talk.

Mukwonago (Muck-WAN-uh-go)

If you say it wrong, we assume you’re from Illinois.

Chequamegon (Sha-WAH-me-gun)

If you can say it without hesitation, you’ve spent time in the Northwoods.

If you got all of these right, congratulations—you’ve earned the right to complain about Illinois drivers, debate the superiority of Culver’s over any other fast food, and remind people that yes, Wisconsin really is that cold. You also know that Friday fish fry is non-negotiable, the Packers are basically a religion, and that “uff da” is an acceptable response to just about anything. For everyone else, just listen, learn, and let a local do the talking—preferably over some cheese curds and a Spotted Cow.

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