If You Can Pronounce These 9 Words, You've Lived In Mississippi For Far Too Long
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published May 05, 2018
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Mississippi is home to plenty of places with unusual, difficult-to-say names. One side effect of that is residents with a knack for pronouncing some tough words. If you’re a native or longtime resident of the Magnolia State, you might not even notice this ability anymore, but it does exist. Need proof? Read on for 9 words that only Mississippians can pronounce.
1. Gautier
Capt. Kathy Wilkinson
With meandering bayous, stunning waterfront locales, and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, this coastal city has come to be known as "nature’s playground." It’s also known by its name, which, depending on who you ask, is pronounced GO-chay or GO-shay.
At first glance, this one seems easy enough, but things aren’t always what they seem. Unlike its Kentucky counterpart, this Mississippi city is pronounced LEW-iss-vill.
This ancient Indian mound attracts visitors from near and far, yet most have no idea how to say its name. And just to make sure you’re not one of those people, it’s pronounced na-NUH wah-yuh.
Think the correct pronunciation of this river city is pretty obvious? Think again. True Mississippians say natch-uss, whereas outsiders pronounce it how it looks, nat-chezz.
Kiln is another one that seems obvious but isn’t. In addition to the "n" being silent, area residents throw a "the" in front of the name, referring to it as "the Kill."
If you’re not from Mississippi (heck, even if you are), the name of this Bolivar County community is sure to have you scratching your head. The moniker, which has Native American roots, is pronounced hush-PUCK-na.
Another name with Native American roots, the Yockanookany River extends for about 78 miles through the central part of the state. Luckily, you don’t have to know how to say the river’s name to enjoy it. But just in case it ever comes up, it’s pronounced yock-ah-NOOK-ahnee.
This McComb water park has a lot to offer, including a name that some (i.e. out-of-towners) would consider difficult to pronounce. But if you’re from the Magnolia State, then you know the correct pronunciation is bow-guh chit-uh.
So, did you know how to pronounce all of the places listed above? Have another difficult name to add? Tell us in the comments section.
