WYOMING - Wyoming, the "Cowboy State," is a land of vast open spaces, stunning natural beauty, and a collection of place names that can often challenge the uninitiated. With influences ranging from Native American languages to French trappers and English settlers, deciphering local pronunciations is a badge of honor.
While many towns can trip up a newcomer, one name consistently stands out as a linguistic curveball, separating true Wyomingites from the rest: Dubois.
The Winner: Dubois (It's Not French!)
Located in Fremont County, nestled in the Wind River Range, Dubois is a picturesque town that looks like it should be pronounced with a sophisticated French flair. But that's precisely where most outsiders go wrong.
- How Locals Say It: DOO-boys
- How Outsiders Say It: Doo-BWAH (the French pronunciation)
The town was named after Fred Dubois, an Idaho senator. The original pronunciation was indeed French, but over time, as American English speakers settled the area, the name evolved into its current, distinctly Americanized "DOO-boys" pronunciation. To pronounce it the French way is an instant giveaway that you're not a local.
The Runner-Up: Cheyenne (Not a "Shy" Start)
While the capital city, Cheyenne, is widely known, its pronunciation can still be tricky for those unfamiliar with its Native American roots. The initial "ch" sound often causes confusion.
- How Locals Say It: Shy-ANN
- How Outsiders Say It: Chey-ENNE (with a hard "ch" like "cheese") or Shee-YEN
Named after the Cheyenne Native American tribe, the correct pronunciation emphasizes the soft "sh" sound at the beginning. Getting this right is fundamental to sounding like you belong in Wyoming's largest city.
Honorable Mentions: More Wyoming Linguistic Adventures
Mastered Dubois and Cheyenne? Don't get too comfortable. Wyoming has a few more linguistic challenges up its sleeve.
- Meeteetse: A small town in Park County, this name is a mouthful for many.
- Local: Mih-TEET-see
- Outsider: Meet-EECE or MEE-teet-see
- Encampment: This Carbon County town's name often leads to an extra, incorrect syllable.
- Local: En-CAMP-ment
- Outsider: En-CAMP-a-ment
- Hulett: A town near Devils Tower National Monument in Crook County.
- Local: HYOO-let
- Outsider: HOO-let
- Gillette: While a fairly common name, many still stumble over the "g" sound in this northeastern Wyoming city.
- Local: Jih-LET (soft 'g' like in 'gin')
- Outsider: Gil-LET (hard 'g' like in 'give')
- Worland: A city in Washakie County that often causes confusion with its "wor" start.
- Local: WER-land
- Outsider: WOR-land (like the word 'world')
Ultimately, these unique pronunciations are a part of Wyoming's rugged charm and history. Getting them wrong is just part of the journey, and most locals are happy to help you sound like a true cowboy (or cowgirl)!