COLORADO - You can often spot a tourist in Colorado before you even see their hiking boots. How? Just listen to them pronounce the name of a town. The Centennial State is a linguistic minefield, with a map full of Native American (Ute), Spanish, and pioneer names that don't sound the way they are spelled. While there's no single "winner," a few key towns serve as the ultimate shibboleths, instantly separating locals from visitors.
Here are the top contenders for the most mispronounced place in Colorado.
1. Buena Vista
This is the classic "Welcome to Colorado" test. The town's name, "Good View," is Spanish, but that's where the Spanish influence ends.
- The Mispronunciation: "BWAY-na VEE-sta" (the correct, traditional Spanish pronunciation).
- The Correct Local Pronunciation: "BEW-na VISS-ta" (Like the "bew" in "beautiful").
Locals affectionately call it "Bewnie" (BYOO-nee), and using the Spanish pronunciation is the number one way to get a polite, knowing smile from a local.
2. Saguache
This town and county in the San Luis Valley are named after a Ute word meaning "blue earth" or "water at the blue earth." Its spelling offers almost no help to an English speaker.
- The Mispronunciation: "Sa-GWASH" or "Sa-GWA-chee" or "Sa-GWACK"
- The Correct Local Pronunciation: "Suh-WATCH" (rhymes with "watch")
3. Ouray
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains and known as the "Switzerland of America," this beautiful town (named for a Ute chief) is a standard stumbling block.
- The Mispronunciation: "OOO-ray" or "OW-ray"
- The Correct Local Pronunciation: "YOU-ray"
4. Cañon City
This one is a trick question. The "ñ" (a tilde) was officially added to the name in 1994, leading people to try a fancy Spanish pronunciation.
- The Mispronunciation: "Can-YOHN City"
- The Correct Local Pronunciation: "Canyon City" (It's pronounced exactly like the geological feature).
5. Crested Butte
A world-famous ski and wildflower destination, this town's name seems simple enough, but the last word is a trap.
- The Mispronunciation: "Crested BUT" (like the end of a cigarette).
- The Correct Local Pronunciation: "Crested BEWT" (rhymes with "cute").
The "You're Not from Around Here" Honorable Mentions
- Louisville: It's not like the city in Kentucky. It's "LEW-iss-ville," not "LOO-a-vul."
- Arvada: The emphasis is on the first syllable. It's "AR-va-da," not "Ar-VAY-da."
- Poudre River: This French name (for "powder") is "POO-der."