Spelling suggests one thing; the locals insist on another.
Nevadanuh-VAD-uh (locally)
Locals stress a flat "a"; outsiders often say "nuh-VAH-duh".
OregonOR-uh-gun
Locals never say "or-ee-GONE".
Spokanespoh-KAN
Washington city — rhymes with "can", not "cane".
BoiseBOY-see
Idaho capital — not "BOY-zee".
Missourimuh-ZUR-ee
Locals vary between "-ee" and "-uh" endings.
LouisvilleLOO-uh-vul
Kentucky locals compress it further than outsiders expect.
Cairo (Illinois)KAY-roh
Unlike the Egyptian capital, this one rhymes with "hero".
La Jollaluh HOY-uh
California — the J is silent, sounds like an H.
Puyalluppyoo-AL-up
Washington town — far from how it looks.
Schenectadyskuh-NEK-tuh-dee
New York city, four syllables.
Willamettewil-LAM-it
Oregon river — stress the middle syllable.
NatchitochesNAK-uh-tish
Louisiana town — barely resembles its spelling.