UTAH - Utah's landscape is as diverse as its place names, a rich tapestry woven from Native American languages, Mormon pioneer heritage, and a touch of French exploration. For visitors and even some long-time residents, navigating these names can be a linguistic adventure.
While there are many contenders for the title of "most mispronounced," one small city in Utah County consistently trips up outsiders, standing as the ultimate pronunciation test for anyone wanting to sound like a local: Tooele.
The Winner: Tooele (It's Not "Too-LEE" or "Too-ELLE")
Located west of Utah Lake, Tooele is a city with a straightforward name but is anything but. The "oo" and the final "e" are where most people go wrong.
- How Locals Say It: Too-ILL-uh
- How Outsiders Say It: Too-LEE, Too-ELLE, or even TWEL-ee
The name's origin is somewhat debated, but it's widely believed to be derived from a Native American word, possibly Ute or Goshute, referring to a bulrush plant common in the area. Regardless of its etymology, the pronunciation is firmly established among Utahns, making "Too-ILL-uh" the definitive local way.
The Runner-Up: Hurricane (The Ultimate Litmus Test)
Just like its West Virginia counterpart, the city of Hurricane in Southern Utah's Washington County is another classic pronunciation trap. Its spelling immediately suggests the powerful storm, but locals will quickly correct you.
- How Locals Say It: HERR-i-kin (rhymes with "American")
- How Outsiders Say It: HERR-i-CANE (like the storm)
The town was founded in 1906 and named after a whirlwind (a "hurricane" or "whirlwind" in the local dialect) that blew the top off a buggy belonging to Erastus Snow, an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The distinctive local pronunciation is a point of pride and a clear indicator of who is "from around here."
Honorable Mentions: More Utah Linguistic Challenges
Mastered Tooele and Hurricane? Don't get too comfortable. Utah is full of names that can surprise you.
- Manti: This central Utah city looks like it should rhyme with "anti."
- Local: MAN-tie
- Outsider: MAN-tee
- Duchesne: A county and city in northeastern Utah with a French origin that fools many.
- Local: Doo-SHAYN
- Outsider: Doo-CHES-nee or Doo-CHES-nay
- Kanab: A popular gateway city to national parks in Southern Utah. The "a"s are often mispronounced.
- Local: Kuh-NAB (emphasis on the second syllable)
- Outsider: KAY-nab
- Wasatch: This iconic mountain range and county name is frequently mispronounced.
- Local: WAH-satch
- Outsider: WOSH-atch or WAW-sash
- Timpanogos: A prominent mountain and cave system. The full "a" sound is often missed.
- Local: Tim-puh-NOG-uhs
- Outsider: Tim-PAN-oh-gos
Ultimately, these unique pronunciations are a vibrant part of Utah's cultural and historical fabric. Getting them wrong is just part of the learning curve, and most locals are happy to help you get it right!
