State names that are tricky for foreigners (land, company)

[workaholics]

With 50 states- many with unique names, it can be hard enough for Americans to learn all the correct pronunciations. I imagine it must be even harder for people outside the US to learn the state names, especially people whose first language is not English.

My cousin married an English guy. Once when I was visiting them in England he told me that his software company was expanding to "Mitchigan." No, not "Mishigan" but "Mitchigan" as in Mitch. We told him the correct pronunciation but it took him a few tries to get it right.

So are there any other state names that are tricky for foreigners?

[NHborn]

First one that comes to mind would be Massachusetts.

[jtur88]

People from India might find it interesting that Connecticut is pronounce very, very much like their own state of Karnataka.

[monemi]

Arkansas.

[cjg5]

Originally Posted by monemi

Arkansas.

lol yes. Are-Kansas or Our-Kansas.

I've heard Washington pronounced War-shington many times.

[TheBigGeo08]

Well, I heard a few people say Ore-GONE. What about Nevada?

[glamatomic]

I've often come across a mispronunciation of Maryland. People want to call it Mary- Land rather than saying it with neutral vowels.

[portlanderinOC]

Oregon. Although I have an Aussie friend who got it right on the first try.

[jtur88]

Originally Posted by cjg5

I've heard Washington pronounced War-shington many times.

Only by people who do their laundry in a warshing machine. It is a regional phonetic curiosity, not a failure to be cognizant of the name of the state or city.