What's the Most Mispronounced Town in Virginia?

What's the Most Mispronounced Town in Virginia?

What's the Most Mispronounced Town in Virginia?

What's the Most Mispronounced Town in Virginia?VIRGINIA - Virginia is a state steeped in history, and with that history comes a tapestry of town and county names derived from Native American languages, British figures, and French settlers. For outsiders, navigating this linguistic landscape can be a minefield. While there are plenty of contenders, one name almost universally trips up newcomers: Staunton.


The Clear Winner: Staunton

If you want to immediately identify yourself as "not from around here," just pronounce this city in the Shenandoah Valley the way it's spelled.

  • How Outsiders Say It: "STAWN-ton" or "STOW-ton"
  • How Virginians Say It: "STAN-ton"

That's right, the "au" is pronounced as a simple, flat "a," just like in the name "Stan." This pronunciation is a classic shibboleth—a linguistic test that separates locals from visitors. The city, which is the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson and home to the American Shakespeare Center, holds firm to its unique pronunciation, much to the confusion of tourists.


The Honorable Mentions: Other Virginia Tongue-Twisters

While Staunton often takes the top prize, it's far from the only challenge. Here are a few other names that will have visitors scratching their heads.

Norfolk

This is perhaps the second most famous offender, known for its myriad of local pronunciations. The one thing everyone agrees on is how not to say it.

  • How Outsiders Say It: "Nor-FOLK" (pronouncing the "L" and hitting the "folk" hard)
  • How Locals Say It: "NAW-fok" or "NOR-fok" (The "L" is completely silent, and the second syllable is minimized.)

Wytheville

Located in Southwest Virginia, this town's name seems straightforward until you try it.

  • How Outsiders Say It: "WHY-th-vil" or "WITH-ee-vil"
  • How Locals Say It: "WITH-vil" (The "y" is pronounced like a short "i," and the "e" at the end is silent.)

Fauquier

This county in Northern Virginia is a remnant of its French roots.

  • How Outsiders Say It: "Faw-KWEER" or "Faw-kee-ay"
  • How Locals Say It: "Faw-KEER"

Botetourt

Another county with a French name that has been thoroughly Virginian-ized over the centuries.

  • How Outsiders Say It: "Bo-teh-TORT" or "Bot-a-TOUR"
  • How Locals Say It: "BOT-a-tot" (It rhymes with "what-a-tot.")

From Chincoteague ("SHIN-ko-teeg") to Goochland ("GOOCH-land"), the list goes on. But if you want to master just one, start with Staunton. Getting that one right is the first step to sounding like a true Virginian.

Top 7: Best Burgers in Philadelphia

Top 10 Best burgers in Philadelphia

Top 10 Best burgers in Philadelphia

PhillyBite10Philadelphia, PAPhilly has become something of a burger city lately. Everywhere you look nowadays, taverns, gastropubs, and restaurants have added unique burgers to the menu. The Burger has even entered some of the city's high-end steakhouses. Hence, we've decided to list our favorites throughout the city.


Whiskey 101: How to Drink Whiskey

 How to Drink Whiskey  In the old days, Puritans had a very specific etiquette when it comes to drinking whiskey. For them, whiskey must be purely enjoyed from a tulip-shaped glass with a dash of still water. The addition of still water is necessary to maximize the uniquely delicious aroma of whiskey. Keep in mind that ice actually mutes rather than strengthens the aroma of whiskey.

Whiskey 101: How to Drink Whiskey

Whiskey – which is also spelled by other without the letter E – is the name used for a wide variety of delicious and distilled liquors that are produced from grains and later on aged in oak casts. Due to its grain content, a lot of people believe that whiskey is a good type of liquor to drink. In fact, there are numerous couples both in the United States and Europe who prefer to feed their babies whiskey rather than milk or water.Unless you’re one of the few nice people around who hasn’t even savored a drop of liquor in their whole lives, chances are that you’re at least marginally familiar of the drink whiskey.


What's the Most Mispronounced Place in Pennsylvania?

What's the Most Mispronounced Place in Pennsylvania?

What's the Most Mispronounced Place in Pennsylvania?

What's the Most Mispronounced Place in Pennsylvania?PENNSYLVANIA - From its Native American rivers (like the Youghiogheny) to its German settlements (like Lititz) and Welsh towns (like Bala Cynwyd), Pennsylvania's map is a linguistic minefield for visitors. You can almost instantly tell a tourist from a local by how they pronounce the name of a town, county, or... in this case, a river.


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