Austinites have their own unique style. This city isn’t always intuitive. What was once “Town Lake” is now named after Lady Bird Johnson, but you won’t hear any locals call it that. We consistently mispronounce Guadalupe Street, and you’ll never hear us say San Jacinto correctly. It takes a while to learn the quirky language of Austinites. If you can pronounce these eight words, you’ve lived in Austin for far too long.
- Koenig Lane
Brentwood Social House/Facebook There are many lovely places tucked away on Koenig Lane. You can sip on a warm cup of tea at Brentwood Social House and explore the quaint neighborhood. Even though this is a widely popular area, not many people know how to pronounce it correctly. Is it “Ko-Eh-Neg”? “Koonig?” You’ll sound like a silly fool if you say anything other than “Kay-nig,” but don’t stress about it too much. Austin is full of quirky words.
- The Mueller Neighborhood
Lars Plougmann/Flickr Don’t be fooled by this one. Though it may look easy enough, this neighborhood name often trips people up. This place is simply pronounced “Miller.”
- Manchaca Road
Brent Eckley/Flickr This is yet another street name with counterintuitive pronunciation. Don’t try to add too many syllables to this one. The next time you venture to Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant or Radio Coffee and Beer, know that you’re hanging out on “MAN-chack.”
- Del Valle
John Rogers/Flickr You’ll find yourself in Del Valle when you catch a flight from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport or watch a race at Circuit of the Americas. Even though it looks pretty easy to pronounce, Austinites have embellished it a little. To say this region correctly, add a ‘y’ to the end. It’ll end up sounding like “Dell Valley” instead of “Del Val.”
- Manor Road
Dieter v./Foursquare Manor Road is bursting with delicious flavors and refreshing cocktails. You may frequently enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch at Eastside Cafe, but do you know how to pronounce the street you’re on? No, it doesn’t sound like a British country house. “MAY-ner” is the only way to pronounce this bustling Austin street.
- Burnet Road
Thomas Duesing/Flickr Don’t get too fancy with this one. It’s “burn it”, durn it! Home to the iconic Top Notch Drive-In and mouthwatering Pinthouse Pizza, Burnet Road is quickly becoming Austin’s newest hot spot. Just know how to pronounce it before you go.
- Buda, Texas
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr Buda is a charming town south of Austin that’s known for its annual wiener dog races. Like many other places in Central Texas, the pronunciation is not what it seems. You may be tempted to call this little city “Boodah,” but that is incorrect. “Bue-dah” is the only way!
- Gruene, Texas
David B Nash/Flickr Gruene, Texas sits just 45 minutes south of Austin, and it’s a popular day-trip destination for many reasons. Full of vibrant culture, fascinating shopping, and relaxing cafes, Gruene has something for everyone. When pronouncing this local gem, keep in mind its German roots. It’s pronounced ‘green.’ If you need some advice on places to go during your lovely getaway, check out our feature article here.
What are some other words only people in Austin know how to say?
Brentwood Social House/Facebook
There are many lovely places tucked away on Koenig Lane. You can sip on a warm cup of tea at Brentwood Social House and explore the quaint neighborhood. Even though this is a widely popular area, not many people know how to pronounce it correctly. Is it “Ko-Eh-Neg”? “Koonig?” You’ll sound like a silly fool if you say anything other than “Kay-nig,” but don’t stress about it too much. Austin is full of quirky words.
Lars Plougmann/Flickr
Don’t be fooled by this one. Though it may look easy enough, this neighborhood name often trips people up. This place is simply pronounced “Miller.”
Brent Eckley/Flickr
This is yet another street name with counterintuitive pronunciation. Don’t try to add too many syllables to this one. The next time you venture to Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant or Radio Coffee and Beer, know that you’re hanging out on “MAN-chack.”
John Rogers/Flickr
You’ll find yourself in Del Valle when you catch a flight from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport or watch a race at Circuit of the Americas. Even though it looks pretty easy to pronounce, Austinites have embellished it a little. To say this region correctly, add a ‘y’ to the end. It’ll end up sounding like “Dell Valley” instead of “Del Val.”
Dieter v./Foursquare
Manor Road is bursting with delicious flavors and refreshing cocktails. You may frequently enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch at Eastside Cafe, but do you know how to pronounce the street you’re on? No, it doesn’t sound like a British country house. “MAY-ner” is the only way to pronounce this bustling Austin street.
Thomas Duesing/Flickr
Don’t get too fancy with this one. It’s “burn it”, durn it! Home to the iconic Top Notch Drive-In and mouthwatering Pinthouse Pizza, Burnet Road is quickly becoming Austin’s newest hot spot. Just know how to pronounce it before you go.
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
Buda is a charming town south of Austin that’s known for its annual wiener dog races. Like many other places in Central Texas, the pronunciation is not what it seems. You may be tempted to call this little city “Boodah,” but that is incorrect. “Bue-dah” is the only way!
David B Nash/Flickr
Gruene, Texas sits just 45 minutes south of Austin, and it’s a popular day-trip destination for many reasons. Full of vibrant culture, fascinating shopping, and relaxing cafes, Gruene has something for everyone. When pronouncing this local gem, keep in mind its German roots. It’s pronounced ‘green.’ If you need some advice on places to go during your lovely getaway, check out our feature article here.
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