While there are dozens of contenders, the title for the most mispronounced town in Rhode Island goes to a place that looks simple but hides a complex rhythm.
The Winner: Woonsocket
Correct Pronunciation: Wahn-SOCK-it (or Wun-SOCK-it)
At first glance, “Woonsocket” seems easy. “Woon” + “Socket.” You say it, and you’ve already failed.
The first ‘o’ is not an ‘oo’ sound like in “moon.” It is a soft ‘ah’ or ‘uh’ sound, like in “want” or “won.” The stress is then slammed onto the second syllable: Wahn-SOCK-it…