Arizona is a land of stunning deserts, scorching summers, and town names that make outsiders scratch their heads. If you’ve spent enough time in the Grand Canyon State, you’ve probably mastered these tricky pronunciations without even thinking about it. But if you’re new here, good luck—because what you see is definitely not what you get.
14 Words Only True Arizonans Can Pronounce
Tucson (Too-sawn)
The “c” is silent, just like your chances of surviving summer without AC.
Prescott (Press-kit)
If you say “Press-cot,” they’ll know you’re from out of state.
Saguaro (Suh-WAHR-oh)
The mighty cactus, not “Sag-you-are-oh,” bless your heart.
Gila (Hee-luh)
This ain’t “Gilla”; that “G” is pulling a disappearing act.
Tempe (Tem-PEE)
Not “Temp” or “Tem-pay”—this is ASU country, and you better get it right.
Mogollon (Mug-ee-YON)
Absolutely nothing about this makes sense, but that’s Arizona for you.
Cholla (Choy-uh)
No, it’s not “Chaw-lah,” and yes, it will absolutely stab you.
Havasupai (Have-uh-SUE-pie)
Waterfalls in the desert? You bet. But only if you can say it.
Coconino (Co-co-NEE-no)
One of the coolest counties, but only if you pronounce it right.
Yavapai (YAV-uh-pie)
Not “Yav-a-pay” or “Ya-va-puh.” Get it together.
Tlaquepaque (Tuh-LAH-keh-PAH-keh)
Say it like a Sedona local or don’t say it at all.
San Xavier (San Ha-vee-AIR)
That “X” isn’t playing by English rules.
Huachuca (Wah-CHOO-kah)
This one separates the tourists from the veterans.
Bisbee (BIZ-bee)
If you say “Biz-bay,” you’re getting a one-way ticket back to California.
If these names rolled off your tongue effortlessly, you’ve officially gone full Arizonan. You know what a haboob is, you’ve learned to keep oven mitts in your car, and you don’t even flinch at a 115-degree forecast. For everyone else—stick around, drink some prickly pear lemonade, and maybe just point at the map instead of trying to say the names.