Maine is known for its picturesque landscapes, lobster rolls, and, of course, its wonderfully confusing town names. Whether you’re trying to navigate through the Pine Tree State or just reading the names, these towns will have your GPS scratching its virtual head. Here are 11 Maine town names that are sure to make your GPS question its entire existence:
1. Shapleigh
At first glance, you might think it’s “Shap-lee,” but it’s actually Shap-lay. Your GPS will probably try to redirect you back to “Shap-lee” every time.
2. Ogunquit
This seaside town’s name might look like it’s straight out of a fantasy novel, but it’s pronounced OH-gun-quit, not “O-gun-quit” or “Oh-gun-quit.”
3. Pemaquid
Not “Pema-quid,” not “Pema-kwid,” but PEM-a-kwid. It’s a real tongue-twister for GPS systems, no doubt!
4. Machias
Looks like it could be “Mac-ee-us,” right? But it’s actually MAH-shus, making it a real challenge for voice navigation.
5. Cumberland
Simple enough, right? But locals might pronounce it a bit differently, sounding more like CUM-bur-lind rather than “Cumberland.”
6. Kennebunkport
While it’s one of Maine’s more famous towns, even your GPS might misread it. It’s KEN-uh-bunk-port, with no “e” sounds where you might expect them.
7. Beals
Seems straightforward, but locals often pronounce it as Be-ulls, so don’t be surprised when your GPS seems confused.
8. Vassalboro
At first glance, it looks like “Vass-al-boro,” but it’s pronounced VASS-ul-bur-row. Don’t be fooled by the extra vowels!
9. Monmouth
Seems like “Mon-muth,” right? Nope! The right pronunciation is MON-muth, and the GPS will definitely question itself when you reach this town.
10. Wiscasset
This quaint town’s name might make you want to say “Wiss-cass-it,” but locals pronounce it WISS-ket—short, sweet, and confusing to any GPS device.
11. Skowhegan
Your GPS might get lost here in frustration. The correct pronunciation is SKOW-hee-gan, not “Skow-hegan” or “Skow-we-gan.” Try saying that fast five times!
Navigating Maine can be a challenge with all these quirky names, but that’s part of the charm of the state! If you ever find yourself heading to one of these towns, just remember: your GPS is probably as confused as you are!
SOURCES
[1] https://wokq.com/these-maine-towns-are-wicked-easy-or-wicked-hard-to-pronounce/
[2] https://b985.fm/mispronounced-maine-town-names/
[3] https://92moose.fm/maine-toughest-town-pronounce/
[4] https://wjbq.com/10-maine-towns-out-of-staters-cant-pronounce-correctly/
[5] https://z1073.com/maine-town-names/
