Say These 13 Words Correctly and Every Idahoan Will Know You’re One of Them

Idaho may be known for potatoes, but around here, the real starch comes from tough-as-nails place names and locals who’ll correct you with a smile — and maybe a side-eye. Sure, you can visit Idaho, but if you want to belong, you better learn to talk like you’ve been to a rodeo, skied a black diamond, and changed a tire in a blizzard. Nail these 13 words, and you’re well on your way to passing as a local (flannel shirt optional, but encouraged).

Boise (BOY-see)

Not “Boy-zee.” That extra “z” sound will get you politely exiled to Oregon.

Coeur d’Alene (CORE-duh-LANE)

It’s French, but Idaho-style. Say it wrong, and you’ll be banned from the lake.

Weippe (WEE-ipe)

Rhymes with “tree-hype,” not “weep.” Yes, it’s a real place. No, we’re not making it up.

Moscow (MOSS-co)

We’re not in Russia. Lose the “cow” unless you want to sound like you just got here from L.A.

Kuna (KYOO-nuh)

Not “Kuh-nuh.” The “U” is doing some heavy lifting here — give it the respect it deserves.

Arco (AR-koh)

Easy to say, hard to explain — especially when you realize it’s the first city powered by nuclear energy.

Pocatello (Poke-uh-TELL-oh)

Bonus points if you can say it while giving directions to the Costco.

Malad (Muh-LAD)

Not “Mal-lad.” Not “M’lady.” Just say it like you’re slightly confused, and you’re probably close.

Pend Oreille (POND-uh-RAY)

Looks like someone lost a bet in a spelling bee. Sounds like you’re about to impress someone at a ski lodge.

Ketchum (KETCH-um)

Yes, like the Pokémon guy. No, we don’t talk about that here.

Shoshone (Show-SHOHN)

The second syllable rhymes with “cone,” not “bone.” Idaho insists.

Lake Coeur d’Alene (CORE-duh-LANE again!)

It’s so nice, we pronounce it twice. Just don’t call it “Corey D’Alan.” Ever.

Teton (TEE-tawn)

Say it with reverence. That’s not just a mountain — that’s practically a lifestyle.

If you sailed through all 13 without stuttering, second-guessing, or saying “Boise” like a tourist, congratulations — you’ve officially earned your Idaho credentials. You can now proudly eat fry sauce, discuss irrigation methods at social events, and judge the quality of a potato just by looking at it. Just remember: in Idaho, we don’t do fancy… but we do pronounce things our own way.

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