Listen: The 12 Words Texans Mispronounce the Most

It’s not that all Texans mispronounce these words – but some of us mispronounce all of them, and all of us mispronounce some of them.

By W.F. Strong & Emily DonahueFebruary 18, 2015 10:21 am

In no particular order, W.F. Strong lists his 12 most commonly mispronounced words in Texas. Listen to his explainer above. And tell us: How do you say ’em?

  • Whataburger
  • Barbed Wire
  • Chest of drawers
  • Probably
  • Wash
  • Library
  • Pervert
  • Nuclear
  • Wasn’t / Doesn’t
  • Height
  • Granted
  • Dog eat dog

W. F. Strong is a Fulbright Scholar and professor of Culture and Communication at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. And at Public Radio 88 FM in Harlingen, Texas, he’s the resident expert on Texas literature, Texas legends, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Whataburger (with cheese) and mesquite smoked brisket.

When he travels he says he always introduces himself as a Texan. If pressed, he will confess to being American, too.

This story was prepared with assistance by Jan Ross Piedad.