Iowans don’t really have an accent – right? The Midwest is kind of neutral when it comes to that, especially when you compare Brooklyn, Iowa to Brooklyn, New York. We do have some quirky town names, though, and we’re pretty particular about how you pronounce them. Out of staters get it wrong all the time, and here are 8 of the greatest offenders.
- Nevada
Wikimedia Commons I love hearing Iowans pronounce Nevada, because it’s truly unique to call it Ne-VAY-dah
- La Porte
Wikimedia Commons This one trips up a lot of visitors! It’s not La Porte, it’s Luh Port.
- Dubuque
Wikimedia Commons Duh - it’s duh-byook. Not Du-bu-que, which sounds like some sort of off-brand BBQ sauce.
- Madrid
Wikimedia Commons C’mon, we’re not in Spain. It’s not Ma-DRID, it’s MA-drid.
- Keokuk
Wikimedia Commons People pronounce this one a few ways, but I’ve heard Kyoh-kuk the most. I think it’s okay to say KEE-okuk, though, too!
- Maquoketa
Flickr / Tom Gill I’ve heard everything from Ma-quack-eta ro MaquoKEEta, but you know you’re from Iowa when you call it Muh-KOKE-uh-tuh.
- Des Moines
Flickr / Jason Mrachina This one should be a given, but I still hear out-of-staters pronouncing the s! It’s di-moyn.
- Loess Hills
Flickr / Vincent Parsons Headed west? Chances are you’ll see the luss hills.
What are your favorite Iowa town names? Read up on the background of These 11 Iowa Town Names to learn the meanings and histories that most people don’t know!
Wikimedia Commons
I love hearing Iowans pronounce Nevada, because it’s truly unique to call it Ne-VAY-dah
Wikimedia Commons
This one trips up a lot of visitors! It’s not La Porte, it’s Luh Port.
Duh - it’s duh-byook. Not Du-bu-que, which sounds like some sort of off-brand BBQ sauce.
C’mon, we’re not in Spain. It’s not Ma-DRID, it’s MA-drid.
People pronounce this one a few ways, but I’ve heard Kyoh-kuk the most. I think it’s okay to say KEE-okuk, though, too!
Flickr / Tom Gill
I’ve heard everything from Ma-quack-eta ro MaquoKEEta, but you know you’re from Iowa when you call it Muh-KOKE-uh-tuh.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
This one should be a given, but I still hear out-of-staters pronouncing the s! It’s di-moyn.
Flickr / Vincent Parsons
Headed west? Chances are you’ll see the luss hills.
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