Missouri is known for its BBQ, unpredictable weather, and a state name that people still argue about. But if you really want to prove you’re from the Show-Me State, you need to master its trickiest town names. Thanks to a mix of Native American, French, and just plain Missouri logic, some of these words sound nothing like they look—so if you can say them all effortlessly, congratulations, you might just be a true Missourian.
14 Words Only True Missourians Can Pronounce
Missouri (Miss-ur-ee or Miss-ur-uh)
The great pronunciation debate that will never end.
Nevada (Nuh-VAY-duh)
Say it like the state and you’re immediately an outsider.
Versailles (Ver-SALES)
The French are crying, but this is Missouri, not Paris.
Carondelet (Kair-on-duh-LET)
Good luck if you’re not from St. Louis.
Bonne Terre (Bonn TARE)
Looks French, but we don’t have time for that here.
Cairo (KAY-ro)
Not like Egypt, because Missouri does things its own way.
Laclede (Luh-CLEED)
The “e” at the end? Just pretend it doesn’t exist.
Pomme de Terre (Pahm duh TARE)
Means “apple of the earth” in French, but we say it like we’re in the Ozarks.
Auxvasse (Ah-VASS)
If you said “Oaks-vass,” we’ve got a problem.
Boonville (BOON-vill)
No need to overcomplicate this one.
Tebbetts (TIB-its)
If you can find it on a map, you’re a real Missourian.
Weaubleau (WOB-low)
The “eau” at the end? Completely ignored.
Chillicothe (Chill-uh-KOTH-ee)
If you say “Chill-uh-coth,” bless your heart.
Knob Noster (Nob NOS-ter)
Yes, that’s a real town, and yes, it’s fun to say…