OREGON - Is a state where the names on the map—a mix of Native American, pioneer, and French-Canadian trapper origins—often don't sound the way they look. Even the state name itself, Oregon (It's OR-uh-g'n, not "Or-uh-GONE"), is a common stumbling block.
While there are many contenders for the most mispronounced town, one name consistently separates locals from visitors: Yachats.
The Winner: Yachats (It's Not "Ya-CHATS")
This stunning coastal town in Lincoln County, known for its rocky shores and dramatic surf, is a linguistic trap. The "ch" in the middle throws nearly everyone off.
- How Locals Say It: YAH-hots
- How Outsiders Say It: Ya-CHATS or YAK-ats
The name is derived from the Alsea language of the area's original inhabitants. While its exact meaning is debated, the pronunciation is not. If you want to blend in while enjoying the view at Cape Perpetua, just remember: it's "YAH-hots."
The Runner-Up: Willamette (It Rhymes with "Dammit")
This name is everywhere in Oregon, from the fertile wine valley to the major river that runs through Portland. That "ette" at the end leads many to assume a French-style pronunciation, but that's a classic mistake.
- How Locals Say It: Will-AM-it
- How Outsiders Say It: Will-a-MET or Will-a-METT-ee
The local mnemonic is simple and effective: "It's Will-AM-it, dammit!"
Honorable Mentions: A Guide to Sounding Like an Oregonian
Mastered the top two? Don't get too comfortable. Here are a few more names that will have locals correcting you.
- The Dalles: This historic city on the Columbia River is not pronounced like the city in Texas.
- Local: The DALZ (rhymes with "gals")
- Outsider: The DALLAS
- Aloha: This Portland suburb is not a tropical greeting. The "o" is long, and the "a" at the end is a soft "uh" sound.
- Local: Uh-LOW-uh
- Outsider: Ah-LOH-hah
- Coquille: Another coastal town with a tricky name. Don't let the French spelling fool you.
- Local: Ko-KEEL
- Outsider: Ko-KWIL or Ko-KEE-yay
- Champoeg: This state park, the site of an early provisional government, looks like a typo. The "g" is silent, and it ends with an "ee" sound.
- Local: Sham-POO-ee
- Outsider: Sham-PO-egg
- Couch Street: A famous street in Portland that causes endless snickering. It's not named for a piece of furniture. It's named for its founder, Captain John Heard Couch.
- Local: KOOCH
- Outsider: COWCH