Here are 13 Missouri place names that almost no one pronounces correctly on their first try, with their proper pronunciations to help Dare You say them right:
1. Nevada
Pronounced nev-AY-duh (not like the state Nevada).
2. Versailles
Pronounced vehr-SAYLZ (not like the French palace).
3. Auxvasse
Pronounced OH-vawz or UH-vawz (a tricky French-based name).
4. Glascow
Pronounced GLAS-goh (not like the Scottish city Glas-GOH).
5. Choteau
Pronounced SHOW-toe (not “cho-TOO”).
6. Potosi
Pronounced puh-TOH-see.
7. Moberly
Pronounced MOH-bur-lee.
8. Knob Noster
Pronounced NAHB NAHS-ter (not “knob” as in a knob).
9. Rocheport
Pronounced ROHSH-port.
10. Ste. Genevieve
Pronounced saynt JEN-uh-veev (French origin preserved).
11. Gravois
Pronounced GRAH-vois or GRAH-vwah.
12. Creve Coeur
Pronounced KREV-ker (not like it’s spelled).
13. Hannibal
Pronounced HAN-uh-bull.
These names often confuse newcomers and tourists, but they come with rich local history, often French or Native American origins. Mastering even a few will impress locals and show some serious Missouri street cred.
Sources
(https://www.kbia.org/arts-and-culture/2013-09-12/why-cant-missouri-pronounce-its-towns-right)
(https://reader.ku.edu/sites/reader/files/2024-12/Missouri%20Place%20Names.pdf)
(https://books.google.com/books/about/A_Pronunciation_Guide_to_Missouri_Place.html?id=Cn6y5DFoZ28C)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/missouri/comments/160ozgt/familiar_place_names_alternate_pronunciations/)
(https://books.google.com/books/about/A_Pronunciation_Guide_to_Missouri_Place.html?id=V53xfpIiJ7MC)
