Every year, new names, words, and trends enter our vocabulary—but we don’t always get the pronunciation right.
Mondly by Pearson released a list of the most mispronounced words in the U.S. for 2025, and it’s a mix of celebrity names, viral terms, and tricky everyday words.
Here’s a breakdown of all 29—so you can stop guessing and start saying them with confidence.
The Most Mispronounced Words of 2025
1. Chappell Roan
Many said “cha-PELL row-AN” or “CHAP-elle rone.”
Correct: CHAP-uhl ROHN
2. SZA
Common mistakes include spelling it out or “Sizza.” Correct: SIZ-uh
3. Croissant
“Cross-ant” and “kroy-sant” aren’t quite right. Correct: kwah-SAHNT
4. Demure
Frequently misread as “DEE-myur” or “deh-MYOOR-ay.” Correct: dih-MYOOR
5. Oregon
It’s not “OR-eh-gone.” Correct: OR-uh-gun
6. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
People struggle with stress and syllables. Correct: soo-per-kal-ee-fraj-uh-lis-tik-eks-pee-al-ih-DOH-shus
7. Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
Yes, it’s a real word—and yes, it’s hard. Correct: noo-moh-noh-uhl-truh-my-kruh-SKOP-ik-sil-i-koh-vol-KAY-no-koh-nee-OH-sis
8. Aoife
Irish names can be tricky. Correct: EE-fuh
9. Appalachian
There are two main versions, but one is more local. Correct: ap-uh-LATCH-uhn (though ap-uh-LAY-chuhn is also common)
10. Cache
It’s not “CASH-ay.” Correct: KASH
11. What
Yes, even the basics can cause confusion. Correct: WUHT or HWUHT (regional)
12. Axolotl
This little amphibian’s name trips people up. Correct: AK-suh-lot-uhl
13. Genre
Not “jen-ree” or “gon-rah.” Correct: ZHAHN-ruh
14. Lychee
There are actually two accepted versions. Correct: LY-chee or LAI-chee
15. Dachshund
Often misread as “dash-hound.” Correct: DAKS-hund
16. Nguyen
A Vietnamese surname that’s widely mispronounced. Correct: nwin or noo-YEN
17. Birria
This taco trend came with a pronunciation challenge. Correct: BEER-ee-ah
18. Meme
It’s not “me-me” or “meh-meh.” Correct: MEEM
19. Salmon
That “L” is silent! Correct: SAM-uhn
20. Archipelago
It’s not “ar-chee-PEL-a-go.” Correct: ark-ih-PEL-uh-goh
21. Jorge
This Spanish name is often Americanized. Correct: HOR-hay
22. Anemone
Say it slowly—it’s not “an-en-oh-me.” Correct: uh-NEM-uh-nee
23. Hyundai
Americans say it one way, but here’s the full story. Correct: HUHN-day (U.S.) or HYUN-dye (Korean)
24. Gnocchi
Forget the “G.” Correct: NYOH-kee
25. Ennui
A fancy French word for boredom. Correct: on-WEE
26. Hello
You’d be surprised how often tone affects this basic greeting. Correct: heh-LOH
27. Curacao
Often said as “CURE-ah-coh” or “KUR-a-sow.” Correct: kyur-uh-SOW
28. Worcestershire
The ultimate pronunciation trap. Correct: WUH-stuh-sher or WOOS-ter-sheer
29. Porsche
Yes, it’s two syllables. Correct: POR-shuh