Here are 11 Louisiana places that almost no one says correctly on the first try, with the proper pronunciations:
1. Natchitoches
Pronounced “Nack-a-tish.” This city is Louisiana’s oldest settlement and its name derives from a Native American word.
2. Ouachita
Pronounced “Wash-i-ta.” This parish name comes from Native American origins and is tricky because it’s far from phonetic.
3. Thibodaux
Pronounced “Tih-buh-doe.” Locals often shorten or slur the sounds in this Cajun town’s name.
4. Houma
Pronounced “Hoe-muh.” Not to be confused with “Hoo-mah,” this name has a distinct vowel sound.
5. Lafayette
Pronounced “Laff-ee-ette.” Many outsiders wrongly emphasize different syllables in this city named after the famous Marquis de Lafayette.
6. Tchoupitoulas
Pronounced “Chop-ah-too-luhs.” This name is especially challenging due to its unique Cajun-French spelling and sound.
7. Bogue Chitto
Pronounced “Bog-ee Chit-oh.” Derived from Choctaw words meaning “big creek,” the spelling misleads many.
8. Tangipahoa
Pronounced “Tan-juh-puh-how-uh.” This parish name comes from an Acolapissa Native American word meaning “ear of corn.”
9. Opelousas
Pronounced “Op-uh-loo-sus.” This city’s name can easily be mispronounced without knowing the correct syllable stress.
10. Atchafalaya
Pronounced “At-chuh-fuh-lie-uh.” Named for the famous river and swamp, its complex mix of syllables is tough for non-locals.
11. Coushatta
Pronounced “Coo-shat-tuh.” This town’s name is often mispronounced, but it honors a Native American tribe.
Louisiana’s place names reflect its rich Cajun, French, and Native American heritage, making correct pronunciation a challenge even for residents. Outsiders often struggle, but mastering these names is a fun way to connect with the culture and people of Louisiana.
Sources
(http://www.jonmrichardson.com/2008/09/guide-to-louisiana-pronunciation.html)
(https://mykisscountry937.com/challenges-of-pronouncing-louisiana-town-names/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Louisiana/comments/ywrguh/what_is_the_most_common_way_for_la_natives_to/)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wehBI_Lzy6A)
(https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/know-pronounce-hard-louisiana-words-141500056.html)
