Sometimes it seems like Nashville has a language all its own, what with its Tennessee sayings and southern drawl filtered liberally throughout the city. Whether you're from Music City itself or made your way over as a transplant - no shame, folks! - there are a few choice words that should definitely garner a bit of your attention. If you pronounce them wrong, you're sure to get a few confused looks and a tad bit of judgment. Let us help you out!
7. Demonbreun
As possibly the most common mispronounced name in the city, De-mun-bree-un should morph into common verbage pretty quickly.
6. Lebanon
Lebanon is pronounced, "LebanIN," as opposed to the country which emphasizes the O in "on." We're keeping you honest here in Nashville - don't mess this one up again, folks.
5. RC
You really should know how to pronounce RC, but it's also nice to know that ordering a cold RC means your soda is coming right up. It's a sweet bit of Nashville vernacular that you should quickly claim as your own.
4. Lafayette
LaFAYette has a hard "A" sound right in the middle of it, as opposed to the more common "I" sound you'll find in multiple dialects across the world.
3. Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro is easier to pronounce, but locals and tourists will emphasize different parts of the word. This, in turn, brands you as a newbie or a golden oldie. Which one would you rather be?
2. Leipers Fork
Pronounced "Leapers," you'll want to ignore that "I" in there, unless you want to find yourself branded as an out-of-towner.
1. Rinne
If you don't know how to pronounce the last name of Predator's player Pekka Rinne, we don't know how to help you.
We have a few other crazy words and saying, but you'll find them across the entire span of Tennessee.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
