Massachusetts is famous for its town names that baffle outsiders—and sometimes even confuse GPS systems. Here are ten Massachusetts town names that are likely to cause an existential crisis for your GPS (and maybe for you, too), with sources for each:
1. Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg
Not a town, but a lake in Webster with a name so long and complex that GPS systems—and most people—can’t handle it.
2. Cochituate
Pronounced “Cuh-CHIT-choo-it,” this name can stump both GPS and newcomers trying to spell or say it.
3. Worcester
Pronounced “WUSS-ter,” not “War-chester.” GPS often misinterprets or mangles this name.
4. Leicester
Pronounced “Lester,” not “Lay-ses-ter.” GPS may not recognize spoken or typed attempts.
5. Scituate
Pronounced “SIT-choo-it.” GPS and outsiders alike struggle with its spelling and pronunciation.
6. Woburn
Pronounced “WOO-burn,” not “Woe-burn.” GPS may not catch the correct pronunciation.
7. Peabody
Pronounced “PEE-bid-ee,” but GPS might not understand your spoken input.
8. Gloucester
Pronounced “GLOSS-ter,” not “Glow-chester.” GPS often fails to recognize this name.
9. Haverhill
Pronounced “HAY-vrill,” not “Hav-er-hill.” GPS may not understand your pronunciation.
10. Raynham
Pronounced “Rain-ham” or “Rain-um.” GPS could be confused by either version.
These names are just a few examples of the linguistic puzzles Massachusetts offers to both people and technology.
Sources:
- https://1420wbec.com/5-massachusetts-towns-with-the-most-bizarre-names/
- https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/even-locals-cant-get-this-towns-name-right/
- https://wjbq.com/these-have-to-be-the-most-bizarre-town-names-in-each-new-england-state/