Indiana is full of charming towns and cities, but if you’re not from around here, good luck pronouncing them correctly. From names borrowed from Native American languages to European-inspired names with a Midwestern twist, many Indiana places are surprisingly tricky to say out loud. Here are 11 Indiana place names that will most likely trip you up on the first try — and we won’t blame you if they do.
1. Versailles
Nope, it’s not “ver-SIGH” like in France. In Indiana, it’s pronounced “ver-SALES.” Try not to sound too fancy or you’ll stand out.
2. Brazil
This isn’t the country. It’s a town in Indiana, and locals pronounce it just like you think — “bruh-ZIL.” But don’t expect tropical weather.
3. Lafayette
Forget the French flair — here it’s “LAH-fee-yet,” not “lah-fye-ET” like some might guess. It’s the home of Purdue University and a lot of mispronunciations.
4. Dubois
This one will definitely throw you off. It’s not “doo-BWAH.” In Indiana, it’s plain and simple: “DOO-boys.”
5. Terre Haute
You might want to say “ter-uh HO-tay,” but locals will quickly correct you. It’s “TERR-uh HOTE,” rhymes with “boat,” not “goat.”
6. Cayuga
This small town’s name looks like it belongs in New York, but in Indiana, it’s said “kay-YOO-guh.” Don’t let the spelling fool you.
7. Bourbon
Yes, like the drink — and that’s exactly how they say it: “BUR-bun.” Just don’t show up expecting a distillery tour.
8. Salem
You may think it’s “SAY-lum” like in Massachusetts, and you’d be right! But the catch? There are multiple Salems in Indiana, and locals may each say it a bit differently depending on which one you’re in.
9. Monticello
This lakeside spot isn’t pronounced like Thomas Jefferson’s estate. In Indiana, it’s “mon-ti-SELL-o.” Stress that “sell” part and you’ll blend right in.
10. Loogootee
Looks weird, right? Locals say “luh-GO-dee,” and yes, it’s fun to say once you get it right. Practice it a few times before your visit.
11. Vienna
You’re probably thinking “VEE-enna” like in Austria, but in Indiana, it’s simply “VY-enna.” Same spelling, different sound, completely Hoosier.
Whether you’re new to Indiana or just passing through, don’t be surprised if the way locals say things makes you do a double take. These town names are part of the state’s charm — and learning how to pronounce them correctly is a rite of passage for any Hoosier at heart. So the next time someone mentions “Versailles” or “Loogootee,” you’ll know exactly how to say it — and maybe impress a few locals along the way.
SOURCES
[1] https://wkfr.com/small-indiana-town-named-most-difficult-to-pronounce-in-america/
[2] https://www.rd.com/list/difficult-to-pronounce-towns/
[3] https://wibc.com/playlist/what-are-the-most-difficult-to-pronounce-indiana-town-names/
[4] https://wkdq.com/silly-indiana-town-names/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Indiana/comments/8fkoti/i_didnt_realize_there_was_this_many_place_names/
