If You Can Pronounce These 8 Words, You've Lived In Oklahoma For Far Too Long

Oklahoma is home to some pretty hard-to-pronounce (and spell) words. Even if you have lived in the Sooner State for a long time you may still struggle to pronounce many of our unusual town names. And, if you aren’t from around here, good luck with many of them. Here are 8 Oklahoma town names that may throw you for a loop.

facebook/cityofhobartok

Located in far southwestern Oklahoma, the town of Hobart is named after the 24th Vice President of the United States, Garret Hobart. But it's not pronounced how it looks. You say Hoh-bert not Ho-bart.

google maps

Okay, so in all honestly many people get this wrong that have lived in Oklahoma for a long time. Eucha is pronounced Oo-cha. And, who knew Eucha had a lake?

Advertisement

flickr/Thomas & Dianne Jones

As the capital of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Okmulgee is quite a pillar town in northeastern Oklahoma. Unfortunately, many people pronounce it wrong instead of the proper way - Owk-muhl-gee. We think it's really more like Oak-mul-gee...what do you think?

Advertisement

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

If you're starting to feel like you're in another country trying to pronounce foreign words, here's another one that's not going to help - Bokchito. Known as the "biggest little town in Oklahoma," Bohk-cheat-uh means "big creek" in the Choctaw language.

Related Stories

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Oklahoma That Runs Along The Illinois River

The Delicious All-You-Can-Eat Buffet at This Oklahoma Motel Is Actually Worth Visiting

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Oklahoma

flickr/tony hisgett

If you've lived in Oklahoma very long, you should know this one by now. But, it's one that really gets visitors to the state. Miami is not pronounced like Miami, Florida. Our Miami is pronounced-My-am-uh.

flickr/brad holt

This town name is more of a tongue twister than anything else. Try saying Pottawwatomie three times in a row. It's no wonder its nickname is "Paw" county so you don't have to say the long name every time.

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

This one gives most people trouble, Oklahomans and all. It's one of those words that's totally different than what you would think. Ouachita is pronounced Wash-uh-tuh.

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Is it Chickasaw or Chickasha? This one trips up a lot of Oklahomans and visitors. Chickasha is pronounced Chick-uh-shay and not Chick-uh-shaw.

How many of these names can you say and spell correctly? It’s easy to spot a tourist in our state because they can’t pronounce our town names but there are some more fun ways to spot one. Check out our previous featured article that looks at a few surefire ways to always spot one.