Visiting South Carolina reveals a plethora of towns, counties, and parks with such unique pronunciations that they might just leave your tongue in a twist. While you might spell certain names correctly, the way you pronounce them could tell a different story.
Let’s embark on a brief journey to discover the proper pronunciation of eight South Carolina towns, counties, and parks that often trip people up.
Here are eight towns, counties, and parks in South Carolina that are often mispronounced.
Commonly Mispronounced Locations in South Carolina
It’s essential to remember that pronunciation can vary by location, and locals may pronounce certain names differently. Here are a few illustrations:
Horry County
This county, named after a Revolutionary War hero, might leave many scratching their heads over its spelling. The proper way to say it is O-ree; disregard the pronunciation Hor-ree.
Congaree
Despite the widespread recognition of the national park, many still find it challenging to pronounce Congaree correctly. The correct way to pronounce this location is Kahn-guh-ree, rather than the way it might appear to English speakers. This place derives its name from the Indigenous tribe that first inhabited the region.
Colleton
In South Carolina, a commonly mispronounced place is the large county of Colleton, situated in the Lowcountry. Many outsiders struggle with the pronunciation of Colleton, often saying it as Coal-eh-ton instead. Nonetheless, the accurate way to say it is “call-ton.”
Beaufort
The coastal city of Beaufort often leaves visitors from outside the area feeling bewildered by its rich heritage. Residents know that the proper way to say it is BYOO-furt, even though many instinctively pronounce it as Beau-fort.
Edisto
Edisto stands as a It is essential to ensure the correct spelling of this name, whether you are talking about the beach, the river, or the island. The correct pronunciation is ED-i-stow, rather than Ed-i-stow, even though it may seem like both are valid options.
Clemson
Clemson, a small city in South Carolina, is best known as the home of Clemson University. Clemson notes that visitors often err by overemphasizing the letter ‘s’. When locals think of it, Clemp-sin is the name that immediately springs to mind.
Santee
The name Santee, renowned for its expansive state park, may perplex those unfamiliar with its unique pronunciation. The pronunciation of what seems to be Sant-tee is actually Sant-tee; nonetheless, the locals pronounce it in a way that resembles Sant-uh rather than Sant-tee.
Huger
Huger is an unincorporated community situated in Berkeley County, and its name stands out as one of the most puzzling among all the names we have encountered. For those who may not know, it can be pronounced as massive-er, similar to how one would use the comparative form of huge. Indeed, the proper way to say it in the southern area is “Hew-gee,” showcasing a delightful Southern charm.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there’s no need to worry if you’ve mispronounced these names; even some residents of South Carolina occasionally make the same mistakes. This guide offers a convenient way to pronounce the names of the distinctive towns, counties, and islands in South Carolina during your visit.