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ppomeroy t1_j1b4h5r wrote

Lots of transplants tend to mispronounce local street names or town names.

In Roslindale there is an Albano Street. It is "al-BAY-no" but those not born there say "al-BAN-no." As I tell them, it is not named after a former wrestling star (Lou Albano).

Some years ago my neighbor was stopped by a lost motorist and asked for directions to "muh-TAP-un." No one seemed to know where that was. After a little thought process he told the driver that he can't get there, because it is pronounced "MAT-uh-PAN" (Mattapan).

Directions were issued to the poor lost soul.

Boston and vicinity has a decent mix of English and Wampanoag (Native American) names.

The thing that can be frosting is when said people refuse to accept correction by the Native Bostonians on pronunciation.

We will not speak of Worcester, Gloucester, or Scituate. :-)

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dyqik t1_j1buuv6 wrote

As an English transplant, I'm pleased that MA gets Worcester and Gloucester right. But I do wish MA had a Bicester ("Bister") and Towcester ("Toaster").

But as for RI, with its War-wick...

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ppomeroy t1_j1ek2lk wrote

No help here but maybe some faith? We have a Leicester (Les-Ter), not far from Worcester. :-)

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