ARIZONA - Arizona is a state where names are a rich tapestry of Spanish, Native American (Tohono O'odham, Navajo, Apache), and pioneer English influences. For newcomers and visitors, this beautiful blend creates a verbal minefield of town names that don't sound like they look.
You can often spot a tourist by the way they ask for directions—it's the unofficial Arizona shibboleth. While there are many contenders for the most butchered name, one stands out as an authentic "Welcome to Arizona" test.
The Winner: Prescott
This may seem straightforward, but this central Arizona city is the number one giveaway of a non-local. The "o" in the name is a classic trap.
- The Mispronunciation: "Press-SCOTT" (like the common name)
- The Correct Pronunciation: "PRESS-kitt" (rhymes with "biscuit")
Locals are adamant about this, and saying "Press-SCOTT" will earn you a polite (or not-so-polite) correction. The local pronunciation is a point of pride and the definitive way to tell a resident from a visitor.
The "You're Not From Around Here" Hall of Fame
While Prescott may be the most common mistake, these other Arizona names are notorious for tripping people up.
1. Tucson
This is the state's second-largest city and its most famous pronunciation puzzle. That silent "c" gets everyone.
- The Mispronunciation: "TUCK-son" or "Tux-son"
- The Correct Pronunciation: "TOO-sahn"
2. Mogollon Rim
This massive geological feature is a point of confusion even for some locals. It's not "Mongo-lon" or "Moe-go-lon."
- The Mispronunciation: "Moe-go-LON" or "Mon-GOLL-ee-on"
- The Correct Pronunciation: "MUG-ee-own" (The 'o's are soft, and the double 'l' is often silent or pronounced as a 'y').
3. Ajo
This small, Spanish-named town in southern Arizona means "garlic," and its pronunciation follows Spanish rules.
- The Mispronunciation: "A-Joe"
- The Correct Pronunciation: "AH-ho" (The 'j' is pronounced like an 'h').
4. Sonoita
This southern Arizona wine-country town looks simple but has a tricky emphasis.
- The Mispronunciation: "So-no-EE-ta"
- The Correct Pronunciation: "Suh-NOY-tuh" (The emphasis is on the middle syllable).
5. Canyon de Chelly
This stunning national monument on Navajo land uses a Spanish spelling for a Navajo place, creating a unique pronunciation.
- The Mispronunciation: "Canyon de CHELL-ee"
- The Correct Pronunciation: "Canyon de-SHAY" (The "Chelly" is pronounced like "d'shay").
6. Tempe
Home to Arizona State University, this one is a subtle error.
- The Mispronunciation: "TEMP" (as in "temperature")
- The Correct Pronunciation: "Tem-PEE" (The emphasis is on the second syllable).
