10 Massachusetts Towns and Cities You Can't Pronounce | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Massachusetts Towns and Cities You Can't Pronounce

Have you ever had trouble pronouncing a town or city from Massachusetts?

18153
10 Massachusetts Towns and Cities You Can't Pronounce
wordpress

Okay Massachusetts, what is your deal?

The towns and cities in the region of the Commonwealth seriously make no sense when it comes to pronunciation. I feel bad for people that are not from Massachusetts or the New England area because these names are tough. The spelling seems too easy at times and just ends up confusing people. These names were designed to be difficult to pronounce so if you are not from Massachusetts, it is okay, because these names would trick anyone. I am from Worcester (Wuss-ter) and I still have difficulty trying to remember the correct way to say and spell these towns and cities. Here are 10 Massachusetts towns and cities that would give any outsider trouble to pronounce (I included the correct pronunciation, so please enjoy):

1. Worcester (Wuss-ter)

Located within an hour of Boston, Worcester, or 'War-chester' to most is a fairly large city located around various towns in Massachusetts. Do not worry if you have pronounced this one wrong, it confuses everyone.

http://www.worcesterma.gov/

2. Leicester (Lester)

"Lay-chester", um no sorry, that one is not correct. Leicester (Lester) is located in Worcester county and sure has that small town atmosphere. There are local small businesses and most people in this town know each other.

http://www.leicesterma.org/

3. Leominster (Lemon-ster)

Leominster is located in Worcester County and is a smaller city. I always have difficulty spelling Leominster because I write the way I am supposed to say the city.

4. Scituate (Sit-choo-it)

This one is tough, so do not be hard on yourself. I will let you in on a little secret, I do not pronounce this one right and I am from Massachusetts! Scituate is a smaller town located in Plymouth County between Boston and Plymouth. I have never been to Scituate, but have heard that it is absolutely beautiful. I have heard so many different pronunciations for Scituate and it always gives me a good laugh to hear a new pronunciation.

5. Cochituate (Koe-chich-choo-it)

Located in the town of Wayland, Cochituate, is a census-designated place within Middlesex County. There is a beautiful state park where you can rent kayaks and go swimming. I go to school near Cochituate and still have difficulty pronouncing it correctly so this one is extremely tough for outsiders.

6. Peabody (Pee-buddy)

Peabody seems too easy to pronounce and that is why I think most people do not know how to correctly pronounce it. It is located in Essex county and is a decent sized city. Do not let this city fool you because it is hard to remember the correct way to pronounce it.

7. Gloucester (Glaw-ster)

'Glow-chester' is not quite the correct pronunciation, but I always hear people from outside of Massachusetts pronounce it this way. Gloucester is a city located in Essex County and is a part of Cape Ann. It is located near the ocean and has some beautiful beaches.

8. Haverhill (Have-rull)

Just like Peabody, Haverhill seems too easy to pronounce. Do not be fooled, it is always mispronounced. Haverhill is a city located in Essex County. It is located on the Merrimack River.

9. Needham (Need-um)

Needham is another "too easy" town name. It is so hard to remember that this is not said directly as it is spelled. Needham is a small town located in Norfolk County. It is a Boston suburb is fairly close to Wellesley.

10. Methuen (Meth-oo-in)

My mom always laughs at me because I never pronounce Methuen the right way. Methuen is a city located in Essex County. I have never been to Methuen probably because I can never spell or say it correctly.

I hope you enjoyed the list I came up with it. Massachusetts makes things difficult with the spelling, which confuses locals as well as outsiders. Just know that you are not alone. If you are looking for an experiment, go out and ask people how to spell and pronounce these towns correctly, you sure will be in for a good laugh.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23979
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10012
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7259
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments