The Five Most Mispronounced Town Names In North Carolina

Everybody across the land of the Tar Heels (or Blue Devils, depending on what shade of blue you prefer) has heard of the craziest town names in the state. But did you know you might’ve been saying them wrong your whole life? Here’s a list of the most commonly mispronounced cities and towns across North Carolina.

5. Antioch, NC

Because of how English likes to mess with us, this one could sound a lot different depending on who’s reading it. Now the nerds at Google will tell you it’s pronounced (an-ti-aak) but you meet anyone from the 828 will tell you to drop the “T” and pronounce it (Annie-ock).

4. Conetoe, NC

With a population of 294 as of 2020, there’s not a whole lot going on in this town on the outskirts of Edgecombe County (besides the name, of course). To anyone unfamiliar with the area, it seems clear that these are just two words mashed together. It should obviously be pronounced Cone-Toe, but what do they say about assuming? Another funky one here, as this sleepy town is pronounced (kuh-NEE-tuh).

3. Smyrna, NC

This one isn’t tricky for the reason you think it is. This town has a “sister city” down in Florida called New Smyrna Beach. It seems as though Floridians and Carolinians can’t come to an agreement on how this one is supposed to be said. It all stems from the extra “uh” people like to add to the beginning making it (suh-MUR-nuh) instead of (SMUR-nuh). While the proper way to say this town’s name may remain a mystery until the end of time, we can all agree to make fun of anyone who tries to say it (SMEER-nuh).

2. Fuquay-Varina, NC

If you’ve ever made the drive down the 401 from Raleigh to Fayetteville, you know what I’m talking about. Imagine you’re a kid, just learning what all the letters in the alphabet sound like, then your dad says you’re stopping in (FEW-kway vuh-REE-nuh). Now I’ve been on this earth for quite a while and I’m pretty dang sure that “U” don’t sound like that, but what do I know.

1. Chocowinity, NC

This one may be a no-brainer for seasoned Carolinians, but transplants may think this town name has more to do with chocolate than it actually does. The name Chocowinity (chock-uh-WIN-it-ee) comes from the native Tuscaroran natives who inhabited the land hundreds of years ago.

There are a ton more names that don’t make sense, but all represent a great place with great people, and that’s what makes this great state as great as it is.

Get our free mobile app