Louisiana has a deep history with both Native American and French/Acadian cultures, and you’ll see those influences everywhere, especially in the dialect. If you’re from The Pelican State, then these Louisiana words will be a piece of cake for you to pronounce. However, it’s easy to spot the tourists and newbies, as they may stumble over a word or two. When it comes to these 11 hard Louisiana words to pronounce, see how many you can say correctly without hesitation. 

1. Tchoupitoulas

Amy Roberton/Flickr
Tourists certainly have a tough time with this one. It's "CHOP-uh-too-lus."

2. Natchitoches

Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Louisiana’s oldest permanent settlement is pronounced "NACK-o-dish."

3. Tchefuncte

Edd Prince/Flickr
About 70 miles long, the name of this river is derived from the word "Hachofaki." Hachofaki is the Choctaw word for the American chinquapin, a plant that was used to relieve headaches and fevers. This one is pronounced "chuh-FUNK-tah."

4. Tangipahoa

Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Whether you’re referring to the parish or the river, Tangipahoa comes from an Acolapissa word meaning "ear of corn" or "those who gather corn". It's pronounced "Tang-uh-pah-hoa."

5. Opelousas

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This one may look tricky, but just sound it out and you’ll be fine. It's "Op-el-oo-sas."

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6. Atchafalaya

Flickr/rumpelstiltskin1
The nation’s largest river swamp may have a funny name but it’s pronounced "At-cha-fuh-laya."

7. Grosse Tete

GoogleMaps
This one certainly cocks a few eyebrows. It's "Gross TATE."

8. Pontchartrain

Flickr/Barry Goble
Fun fact: the lake was originally named Okwata by local Native Americans which meant "wide water," but its modern moniker is pronounced "Pon-cha-train."

9. New Orleans

Thomas Hawk/Flickr
You'd think this one out be a no-brainer, but there are actually two different pronunciations for this New Orleans lingo, depending on what you're referring to. If you’re talking about the parish, then it's pronounced "Or-LEENS" (rhymes with jeans). If you’re talking about the city, then go with "New or-LINDZ."

10. Ouachita

Flickr/Jonathan Ball
"Wash-ah-taw." Not so hard, right?

11. Burgundy

GoogleMaps
This New Orleans street has been giving tourists a hard time for years. You would think it’s pronounced like the color, but no, that would be too easy. Put the emphasis in the middle and say "Bur-GUN-dee."

Well, how’d you do? Did you score 11 out of 11? Let us know in the comments below! If there are other hard to pronounce Louisiana words and names that you know of that didn’t make this list, share them (and don’t forget to tell us how you say them)!

If you’re intrigued to visit New Orleans for yourself and try out your new lingo, be sure to first check out Viator, where you can book day trips, sightseeing tours, and other unique experiences!

 

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