Dictionary.com came up with the five words we mispronounce most. Technically it’s the words we use most but have a hard time with. They based it on how many people click the audio button next to a word online, to see how to pronounce it.
- Coupon. (Pronounced KOO-pon.) A lot of people say “KYOO-pon,” which is okay if you’re in America. But apparently we’re the only ones who say it that way.
- Mischievous. (Pronounced MISS-cheh-vous.) It’s three syllables, not four. But a lot of people says “mich-CHEE-vee-ous.”
- Reservoir. People ignore the second “R”, and say “res-UH-voir.”
- Prerogative. It starts with a “P-R-E.” So it’s “PRUH-rogative,” not “PER-ogative.”
- Espresso. A lot of people say “EX-presso”, but there’s no “X” in there.
Another one was “quinoa”. (Pronounced KEEN-wah.) Which you might know how to say now, but not the first time you said it.
Also, the dessert “sherbet”. (Pronounced SHER-bit) Some people say “sher-BAY”. And “sher-BERT” has become so common it’s considered an alternate spelling now.
And apparently most people in other countries don’t pronounce the “L” in “almond.” They say “AH-mund.” (MarketWatch / Dictionary.com)
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