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

Illinois might seem straightforward on a map, but try saying our towns out loud and you’ll trip over more silent letters than a mime convention. Around here, we take pride in our uniquely unpronounceable place names — and if you mess one up, don’t worry, someone at the gas station will correct you (with passive-aggressive Midwest kindness, of course). But if you can nail these 13 tongue-twisters without flinching, you’ve officially earned the right to complain about potholes and argue about deep dish vs. thin crust like a true local.

Illinois (ILL-uh-noy)

Let’s get this out of the way: if you say “Illi-noise,” we can’t help you. The “s” is silent, and the judgment is not.

Des Plaines (Dess-PLANES)

It’s French-ish, but this is Illinois, not Paris. Don’t get fancy.

Cairo (KAY-ro)

Just like the one in Georgia — and nothing like the one in Egypt. Sorry, world geography.

Joliet (JOE-lee-ETT)

If you pronounce it “JOLLY-it,” you’re not going to make it past I-80.

Marseilles (MAR-sails)

It’s not “Mar-say” — this ain’t France. We’ve cornfielded the pronunciation.

Du Quoin (Doo-KWOIN)

Not “Doo-Queen.” Not “Duck-wine.” Just say it like you’re ordering barbecue and move on.

Versailles (Ver-SALES)

Don’t even think about saying “Ver-sigh.” We’ll have to revoke your Cubs hat.

Kaskaskia (Kas-KAS-kee-uh)

The original state capital. Also a great way to test your tongue’s flexibility.

Milan (MY-lun)

This isn’t Italy. This is Illinois. Pack accordingly.

Chenoa (Shuh-NO-uh)

Yes, all those vowels matter. No, it’s not pronounced “Chin-o-wah.”

Mackinaw (MACK-in-aw)

Not “Mack-in-ACK.” You’re thinking of Michigan. This one’s ours, and we say it like we mean it.

Belleville (BELL-vill)

Not “Bell-a-ville.” Keep it simple, like our gas station snacks.

Monticello (Mon-tuh-SELL-oh)

If you say “Mon-ti-CHEL-lo,” Thomas Jefferson might appear just to frown at you.

If you made it through all 13 without hesitation — or at least without pulling out your phone to Google “how to say Du Quoin” — you’ve earned yourself honorary Illinois status. You’re now legally allowed to yell at traffic on the Dan Ryan, attend a county fair unironically, and claim you “know someone from Peoria” in every conversation. Just remember: the “s” in Illinois is silent, but the pride we take in correcting you? Very loud.

The post Say These 13 Words Correctly and Every Illinoisan Will Know You’re One of Them appeared first on When In Your State.

Source link