NEW YORK - New York is a state where the map is a linguistic melting pot. With a rich history blending Native American (Mohawk, Iroquois) and Dutch settler names, the Empire State is full of verbal traps that instantly separate locals from tourists. While there are dozens of contenders, the crown for the "most mispronounced" place often goes to a major city in the Capital Region.
Schenectady
This city, named after a Mohawk word, is a classic stumbling block. Its "Sch" opening and jumble of consonants and vowels baffle newcomers.
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The Mispronunciation: "Shen-eck-tady" or "Suh-netch-a-dy"
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The Correct Pronunciation: "Skuh-NEK-tuh-dee" (with the emphasis on the second syllable).
The "You're Not From Around Here" Hall of Fame
While Schenectady may be the most famous, these other New York names are notorious for tripping people up.
1. Coxsackie
This town in Greene County is the source of endless giggles and confusion, thanks to its unfortunate spelling and the virus that shares its name.
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The Mispronunciation: "Cok-SACK-ee"
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The Correct Local Pronunciation: "Cook-SAH-kee" (The emphasis is on the middle syllable).
2. Poughkeepsie
A major city in the Hudson Valley, this name (derived from a Wappinger word) looks more intimidating than it is.
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The Mispronunciation: "Puff-keep-see" or "Poe-guh-keep-see"
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The Correct Local Pronunciation: "Poe-KIP-see"
3. Skaneateles
This stunning Finger Lakes village is a true test. Locals are often divided on the "correct" way, but both are different from what a visitor would guess.
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The Mispronunciation: "Ska-nee-uh-TELL-ess"
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The Correct Local Pronunciation: "SKIN-ee-at-less" (Most common) or "SCAN-ee-at-less"
4. Chautauqua
This Iroquois name, which graces a lake, county, and famous institution in Western New York, is a jumble of vowels.
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The Mispronunciation: "Cha-TAW-kwa" or "Cha-too-kwa"
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The Correct Local Pronunciation: "Sha-TALK-wuh"
5. Schaghticoke
This town in Rensselaer County may be the true hardest-to-pronounce name, but it's less well-known. It's a true local shibboleth.
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The Mispronunciation: "Shag-ti-coke" or "Shat-i-coke"
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The Correct Local Pronunciation: "SKAT-uh-coke"
From the Dutch and Mohawk-derived names of the Capital Region to the Iroquois names of the Finger Lakes, New York's map is a challenge for any newcomer. While Schenectady often tops the list of tricky pronunciations, towns like Coxsackie, Poughkeepsie, and Skaneateles are just as likely to stump visitors. Mastering these unique local pronunciations is a rite of passage and the best way to navigate the Empire State like a native.
