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Missouri, the state where you can experience the Midwest, the South, and a full-blown identity crisis—all before lunch. And nothing gives you away as an outsider faster than stumbling over the local lingo. Between Native American names, French leftovers, and that special brand of “we say it how we want,” Missouri town names aren’t just hard to pronounce—they’re a rite of passage.
1. Versailles (Ver-SALES, not Ver-sigh)
France doesn’t live here anymore. Neither does your dignity if you say it wrong.
2. Nevada (Nuh-VAY-duh, not Neh-VAH-duh)
It’s a town, not a casino. Pronounce it like you’ve been there for a tractor pull.
3. Cairo (KAY-ro, not Ky-ro)
You’re not in Egypt—you’re in river country now.
4. Houston (HOW-ston, not HYOOS-ton)
Texas rules do not apply. Missouri does what it wants.
5. Lebanon (LEB-nun, not Leh-buh-non)
Two syllables, said quickly, preferably while chewing jerky.
6. Bonne Terre (Bawn-TAIR, not Bon-ee Tehr)
French for “good earth,” but only if you say it like a Missouri native with a cold.
7. Bois D’Arc (Bo-dark, not Bwah d’ark)
The French may have named it, but Missouri gave it a Southern makeover.
8. Pomme de Terre (Pom duh TARE, not Pom day Tehr)
It means “apple of the earth.” In Missouri, it means “you’re saying it wrong.”
9. Cuba (KYOO-buh, not Coo-bah)
No passports needed. Just don’t bring your “foreign” pronunciation.
10. Hurricane Deck (HER-uh-kin, not Hurri-cane)
The storm’s gone, but the pronunciation is here to confuse you.
11. Osage (OH-sage, not Ah-sahg)
It’s a tribe, a river, and a lesson in keeping things simple.
12. Missouri (Missour-EE or Missour-UH, depending on who you’re talking to)
The final boss of state names. Pick a side—but know someone will argue with you either way.
If you got ‘em all right, congratulations—you’ve probably floated down a river with a cooler of Busch Light and argued about barbecue at least once. If not, that’s okay—we’ll still feed you well and wave as you pass by… but we might talk about you later at the Casey’s. Say it wrong, and someone’s meemaw will be in your ear faster than you can say “Show Me State.”
The post We Know You’re Not From Missouri If You Mispronounce These 12 Names appeared first on When In Your State.