New York isn’t just skyscrapers, yellow cabs, and pizza slices—it’s a state packed with history, culture, and some of the trickiest place names you’ll ever come across. From Native American origins to Dutch and German influences, these names are anything but straightforward.
If you think your pronunciation game is strong, we dare you to say these 11 New York place names correctly on your first try. Spoiler alert: you probably can’t!
1. Schroon Lake
How it looks: Skroon Lake
How it’s pronounced: SKROON Lake
Yep, it rhymes with “spoon.” A beautiful spot in the Adirondacks, but a tongue-twister for newcomers.
2. Coxsackie
How it looks: Cox-sack-ie
How it’s pronounced: Cook-SAH-kee
No, it’s not as awkward as it looks. This small town along the Hudson River has a name that surprises almost everyone.
3. Canandaigua
How it looks: Can-an-daig-oo-ah
How it’s pronounced: Can-an-DAY-gwah
This Finger Lakes town has a name that trips up even lifelong New Yorkers. Just take it slow.
4. Hoosick
How it looks: Hoos-ick
How it’s pronounced: HO-zick
That “s” throws everyone off. Say it wrong in front of locals, and you’ll get the look.
5. Skaneateles
How it looks: Ska-ne-a-tell-es?
How it’s pronounced: Skinny-AT-less
Yes, seriously. One of the most mispronounced towns in the state—and also one of the prettiest.
6. Nunda
How it looks: Nun-da
How it’s pronounced: Nun-DAY
This small village in western New York is a classic example of local pronunciation that defies spelling logic.
7. Chemung
How it looks: Che-mung
How it’s pronounced: Sha-MUNG
Sounds like a martial art move, but it’s actually a peaceful county in the Southern Tier.
8. Pulaski
How it looks: Pull-a-ski
How it’s pronounced: Pull-ASK-eye
Locals will correct you fast if you say “Pull-a-ski.” It’s a fishing hotspot, and the pronunciation is serious business.
9. Oneonta
How it looks: One-on-ta
How it’s pronounced: Oh-nee-ON-ta
This college town may look simple, but don’t trust your eyes—it’s trickier than it seems.
10. Ghent
How it looks: Gent (like a gentleman)
How it’s pronounced: G-Hent (hard G, like “go”)
The name may come from Europe, but New York gave it its own spin. That hard G sound trips many up.
11. Schaghticoke
How it looks: Schag-ti-coke?
How it’s pronounced: SKAT-i-coke
Just looking at this one gives people anxiety. It’s a perfect mix of confusing letters and unexpected sounds.
Think you’re good at pronunciation? Think again. New York’s place names are a whole different challenge—proof that spelling often has nothing to do with how words actually sound.
Whether you’re planning a road trip, moving to the Empire State, or just showing off your trivia skills, now you’re a step ahead. Just don’t be surprised if locals still correct you—New Yorkers take their pronunciations seriously!
SOURCES
- (https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/new-york/)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1a41SZMyho)
- (https://wpdh.com/mispronounced-ny-town-meanings/)
