We Dare You to Say These 11 Texas Places Correctly on Your First Try (Spoiler: You Can’t)

We Dare You to Say These 11 Texas Places Correctly on Your First Try (Spoiler: You Can’t)

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Texas is known for its vastness, friendly locals, and a long list of towns and cities with names that are anything but easy to pronounce. Even locals sometimes stumble over the correct way to say these places. So, we dare you to try pronouncing these 11 Texas locations correctly on your first try. Spoiler alert: it’s not as easy as it sounds!

1. Boerne

This one trips up even seasoned Texans. The correct pronunciation is “BURN-ee,” not “Bore-nee” as you might expect. Boerne is a charming small town in the Hill Country, famous for its historic architecture and German heritage.

2. Luling

If you’re thinking “Loo-ling,” you’re way off. The correct way to say it is “LUL-ing.” Luling is a small town known for its iconic BBQ joints, so you’ll definitely want to get the name right before heading there for some tasty eats.

3. Kaufman

You might be tempted to say “KAWF-man,” but that’s not it. The correct pronunciation is “KOFF-man,” with the “a” sounding like “off.” Kaufman is a small city known for its historic courthouse and proximity to Dallas.

4. Wichita Falls

This one can trip people up, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how “Wichita” is said. It’s actually pronounced “WITCH-i-taw” (rhymes with “cow”). Wichita Falls is a lovely city located near the Oklahoma border, known for its natural falls and outdoor activities.

5. Paris

When you think of Paris, you might imagine the romantic city in France. But in Texas, the pronunciation is a little different. It’s said as “PAIR-iss,” not “PAH-ris.” This Paris is a vibrant town with a replica of the Eiffel Tower and a big Texas heart.

6. Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches is one of those places where the name looks completely different from how it sounds. The correct pronunciation is “NACK-uh-DOH-chiss.” It’s a historic city and the oldest town in Texas, known for its charming brick streets and old-timey feel.

7. Guadalupe

You might be tempted to say “GWAH-da-loo-pee,” but the locals pronounce it “WAAH-da-loo-pee.” This is a river, a mountain, and a county in Texas, and it holds significant historical and cultural importance.

8. Cedar Park

This one might seem easy, but the locals pronounce it “SEE-der” (not “SEE-dar”). Cedar Park is a fast-growing suburb of Austin, filled with parks and outdoor activities. It’s important to get the pronunciation right if you want to blend in with the locals!

9. Bexar County

Now this is a tricky one. Despite being spelled “B-E-X-A-R,” it’s pronounced “BEAR” County. Bexar County is home to San Antonio and boasts rich Texan history and culture.

10. San Saba

It looks like it should be pronounced “San Sah-ba,” but the correct pronunciation is “San SAY-buh.” San Saba is a small town known for its peach orchards and sweet, sweet peaches.

11. La Grange

Don’t get fooled by the French influence here. Texans pronounce it “La GRAYNGE,” not “La GRAHNJ.” Located between Austin and Houston, La Grange is a historic town known for its German heritage and, of course, its proximity to the famous “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

Texas is a big state with lots of towns that have unique and tricky names. Whether you’re a Texan or a visitor, you’ll be sure to encounter these tongue-twisters that will challenge even the most seasoned pronunciation experts. So, good luck — and remember, if you don’t say it correctly the first time, just laugh and try again!

SOURCES

  1. (https://www.texasalmanac.com/drupal-backup/images/topics/TownPronunciationGuide.pdf)
  2. (https://travisso.com/the-newcomers-guide-to-mispronounced-texas-cities/)
  3. (https://texashighways.com/culture/how-to-talk-like-a-true-texan/)

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