Cincinnati is a unique city with its own traits and quirks that make it special, and those who have lived here awhile are well-versed on all of them. They know all about the undying habits of a true Cincinnatian, and they very likely know how to pronounce these words that are extra special to the Queen City. If you think you know all there is to know about our great town, then check out this list of seven words and if you can pronounce them all with ease, you’ve probably lived in Cincinnati for far too long (if that’s even a thing).
- Goetta
Facebook/Glier’s Goetta Cincinnati’s favorite mystery meat may have a name as odd as its ingredients, but we love it anyway. Our city is famous for this savory side dish, but unless you’ve been a local for a while, you may not know how to pronounce it. No, it’s not “go-etta,” it’s simply “get-uh.” And if you have yet to try it, go hunt some down right now.
- Reading
Google Maps As much as we love to read books in Cincinnati, when we see the word “reading,” that’s not our first thought. Reading Road, pronounced “red-ing,” leads you through much of our city and is traveled by countless locals on a daily basis. If you still think of your favorite paperback when you see this street sign, then you probably haven’t been in Cincinnati long enough!
- Dave Concepcion
Facebook/Cincinnati Reds Many baseball fans are familiar with the Big Red Machine and its talent, but Pete Rose tends to get the most attention. Those who have been in Cincy for a while and grew up with these players have a fond spot in their hearts for shortstop Dave Concepcion. His last name may be tricky to pronounce, but he had no trouble making plays and even stirring up a bit of trouble during a game in the Queen City. If you really want to impress a Cincinnati Reds fan, study up on how to pronounce this famous last name.
- Hofbrauhaus
Facebook/Hofbrauhaus Newport As a German-rooted town, many Cincinnatians know how to pronounce a few German words from a young age. When the first Hofbrauhaus outside of Germany opened in Newport, we had no trouble saying it - or enjoying it! Add in words like “biergarten” and “schnitzel” and you’ll fit right in.
- Versailles
Facebook/Village of Versailles, Ohio Did you know that there are three towns named Versailles within about an hour of Cincinnati? And as nice as they are, their names are not pronounced like the iconic castle outside of Paris, France. The Versailles in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky all make great day trips from our city, but make sure you know how to correctly pronounce their names before you visit.
- Graeter’s
Facebook/Graeter’s Ice Cream This may seem like a no-brainer for those who live in Cincinnati, but even spellcheck doesn’t agree with the spelling of this famous ice cream store. Newcomers may be thrown off that it’s not spelled “Greater’s” (as it’s pronounced) but they’ll learn quickly how to spell and say it when they discover how delicious it is!
- Mariemont
Facebook/Mariemont Lifestyle The name “Marie” is very lovely, but locals know that it has nothing to do with the pronunciation of this Cincinnati neighborhood. It’s actually pronounced “Mary-mont,” and it’s absolutely charming if you have yet to visit.
Cincinnati is one-of-a-kind and we have a unique vocabulary to go along with it! How’d you do with this list? Are there any other hard-to-pronounce words in Cincinnati that should be added to this list? Please share with us in the comments!
Facebook/Glier’s Goetta
Cincinnati’s favorite mystery meat may have a name as odd as its ingredients, but we love it anyway. Our city is famous for this savory side dish, but unless you’ve been a local for a while, you may not know how to pronounce it. No, it’s not “go-etta,” it’s simply “get-uh.” And if you have yet to try it, go hunt some down right now.
Google Maps
As much as we love to read books in Cincinnati, when we see the word “reading,” that’s not our first thought. Reading Road, pronounced “red-ing,” leads you through much of our city and is traveled by countless locals on a daily basis. If you still think of your favorite paperback when you see this street sign, then you probably haven’t been in Cincinnati long enough!
Facebook/Cincinnati Reds
Many baseball fans are familiar with the Big Red Machine and its talent, but Pete Rose tends to get the most attention. Those who have been in Cincy for a while and grew up with these players have a fond spot in their hearts for shortstop Dave Concepcion. His last name may be tricky to pronounce, but he had no trouble making plays and even stirring up a bit of trouble during a game in the Queen City. If you really want to impress a Cincinnati Reds fan, study up on how to pronounce this famous last name.
Facebook/Hofbrauhaus Newport
As a German-rooted town, many Cincinnatians know how to pronounce a few German words from a young age. When the first Hofbrauhaus outside of Germany opened in Newport, we had no trouble saying it - or enjoying it! Add in words like “biergarten” and “schnitzel” and you’ll fit right in.
Facebook/Village of Versailles, Ohio
Did you know that there are three towns named Versailles within about an hour of Cincinnati? And as nice as they are, their names are not pronounced like the iconic castle outside of Paris, France. The Versailles in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky all make great day trips from our city, but make sure you know how to correctly pronounce their names before you visit.
Facebook/Graeter’s Ice Cream
This may seem like a no-brainer for those who live in Cincinnati, but even spellcheck doesn’t agree with the spelling of this famous ice cream store. Newcomers may be thrown off that it’s not spelled “Greater’s” (as it’s pronounced) but they’ll learn quickly how to spell and say it when they discover how delicious it is!
Facebook/Mariemont Lifestyle
The name “Marie” is very lovely, but locals know that it has nothing to do with the pronunciation of this Cincinnati neighborhood. It’s actually pronounced “Mary-mont,” and it’s absolutely charming if you have yet to visit.
If you just can’t get enough of Cincy, we’re not surprised; living in Cincinnati ruins you for life… in the best possible way.
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