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Maryland may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to place names that sound absolutely nothing like they look. With roots in Native American, British, and pure Chesapeake weirdness, it’s a state where syllables vanish, letters get ignored, and locals say things like “Balmer” with a straight face. Say these names wrong, and you won’t just stand out—you’ll practically glow like an out-of-town firefly at a crab feast.
1. Baltimore (BALL-mer or Bawl-mer, not Bal-tee-more)
If you pronounce all three syllables, congrats—you’re not from Maryland.
2. Annapolis (Uh-NAP-uh-liss, not Anna-polis)
It’s the capital, not your cousin Anna’s waterfront cottage.
3. Worcester County (WUSS-ter, not Wor-chest-er)
Just pretend half the letters don’t exist. You’ll fit right in.
4. La Plata (Luh-PLAY-tuh, not Lah-plah-tah)
Spanish name, Maryland mouth. Don’t overthink it.
5. Bowie (BOO-ee, not Bow-ee)
Like the knife, not the rock star. Yes, it’s confusing. No, we’re not changing it.
6. Accokeek (ACK-uh-keek, not Ah-coh-keek)
Say it wrong and even the deer will side-eye you.
7. Havre de Grace (HAV-er duh GRACE, not Hav-ray day Grah-say)
Looks French. Isn’t. Don’t get fancy.
8. Crofton (CROFF-tun, not Crahf-tawn)
You’re not in Downton Abbey. You’re on Route 3, stuck in traffic.
9. Towson (TOW-sun, not Tow-son)
Rhymes with “cow-son,” not “snow-cone.” Just go with it.
10. Vienna (VY-enna, not Vee-enna)
Another town, another reason to stop assuming anything.
11. Pocomoke (POKE-uh-moke, not Poco-mocky)
Sounds like a crab boil and a dare, all in one.
12. Taneytown (TAW-nee-town, not Tan-ee-town)
Don’t let the spelling lure you in. This is Maryland. Spelling means nothing.
If you got all 12 right, you’re either a true Marylander or have eaten enough Old Bay to earn honorary status. If not, don’t worry—just bring some crab cakes to the next cookout and we’ll forgive you. But say “Bal-tee-more” one more time and someone’s meemaw is gonna set you straight—with a wooden mallet and a plate of steamed crabs.
The post We Know You’re Not From Maryland If You Mispronounce These 12 Names appeared first on When In Your State.