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New Hampshire might be known for its scenic mountains, “Live Free or Die” attitude, and complete disdain for income tax—but it’s also got a sneaky lineup of town names that will trip up any flatlander who dares to read them out loud. With roots in Native American words, old-school New England speech, and a touch of pure regional stubbornness, the Granite State will definitely call you out if you say “Berlin” like a European.
1. Berlin (BURR-lin, not Ber-LEEN)
You’re not in Germany. You’re in flannel country now.
2. Concord (KAHN-kurd, not Con-CORD)
If you say it with dramatic flair, the locals will silently plot your exile.
3. Amherst (AM-erst, not Am-HURST)
Keep it quick, clipped, and drop that second syllable like it owes you money.
4. Laconia (Luh-KOH-nee-uh, not Lack-on-ee-uh)
It’s fun to say, unless you say it wrong—then it’s just awkward.
5. Keene (KEEN, not Kane)
One syllable, one vowel, one chance to mess it up and sound like a tourist.
6. Derry (DARE-ee, not Deh-ree)
Say it like you’re rushing to the nearest Dunkin’.
7. Monadnock (Muh-NAD-nock, not Moe-nad-noke)
Yes, it’s a mountain. No, it’s not a sci-fi villain.
8. Coös County (CO-oss, not Koos)
That little two-dot umlaut? It’s doing all the work. Respect it.
9. Goffstown (GOFFS-town, not Goff-stun)
Bonus points if you say it while holding a pumpkin spice coffee and dodging a moose.
10. Henniker (HEN-ih-ker, not Hen-EEK-er)
It’s not trying to sound fancy. Neither should you.
11. Pembroke (PEM-brook, not Pem-brawk)
The R is silent—as is the judgment when you mess it up.
12. New Hampshire (New HAMP-sure, not New Hamp-SHEER)
Real locals pronounce it like they’re running late for a town meeting—and probably are.
If you got them all right, congrats—you’ve likely driven a Subaru through a snowstorm, debated politics at a general store, and eaten maple syrup straight from the bottle. If not, don’t worry—just don’t say Ber-leen unless you’re looking for a stern lecture from a guy named Doug who owns three snowmobiles. Welcome to New Hampshire: we may live free, but we don’t forgive bad pronunciation.
The post We Know You’re Not From New Hampshire If You Mispronounce These 12 Names appeared first on When In Your State.