Raise your hand if you pronounced quinoa incorrectly for years before finally learning the correct version. Mine’s held high over here. We’ve all confidently said a food name in public only to realize halfway through that we’re absolutely butchering it. It happens, and honestly, some of these food names are designed to trip you up. Here’s a breakdown of the foods we’ve all been mispronouncing and how to finally say them right without the embarrassment.
Quinoa
Mispronunciation: “kwin-oh-ah”
Correct pronunciation: “keen-wah”
This ancient grain may be great for your health, but it’s been tripping people up for years. Now you can impress your friends when you casually mention “keen-wah” in conversation!
Gyro
Mispronunciation: “jy-roh”
Correct pronunciation: “yee-roh”
This Greek favorite isn’t just tricky to eat, it’s tricky to say. Think of it like “year-oh” but tastier. Next time you’re grabbing one, you won’t butcher the name.
Bruschetta
Mispronunciation: “broo-shetta”
Correct pronunciation: “broo-sket-ta”
That crispy bread topped with tomatoes deserves better than a bad name. Just remember: hard “k” sound, and you’re all set to sound authentically Italian.
Pho
Mispronunciation: “foe”
Correct pronunciation: “fuh”
That warm Vietnamese soup isn’t pronounced “foe.” It’s “fuh.” So, next time you crave some “fuh,” say it right and enjoy your bowl without worrying about your pronunciation.
Gnocchi
Mispronunciation: “nok-ee” or “noh-chee”
Correct pronunciation: “nyoh-kee”
These soft Italian dumplings are easier to eat than say. Practice saying “nyoh-kee” to avoid the awkward look next time you order them at an Italian restaurant.
Acai
Mispronunciation: “ah-kai”
Correct pronunciation: “ah-sigh-EE”
The trendy acai bowl isn’t just tough on your wallet, it’s tough on your tongue, too. Say “ah-sigh-EE” and you’ll nail it at your next smoothie shop stop.
Croissant
Mispronunciation: “kwah-sahn”
Correct pronunciation: “krwah-SAHN”
You may love your morning “kwah-sahn,” but it’s actually pronounced “krwah-SAHN.” Channel your inner Parisian and roll that “r” for the perfect French vibe.
Edamame
Mispronunciation: “ed-a-may”
Correct pronunciation: “ed-ah-MAH-meh”
Those green soybeans aren’t just for sushi night—they’re for pronunciation practice, too. “Ed-ah-MAH-meh” is how you should say it, and now you’re a pro.
Charcuterie
Mispronunciation: “char-cute-er-ee”
Correct pronunciation: “shar-coo-tuh-ree”
Fancy meats and cheeses deserve a fancy name, and “shar-coo-tuh-ree” fits the bill. Now you can sound as sophisticated as the board itself.
Jalapeño
Mispronunciation: “ja-lap-en-oh”
Correct pronunciation: “hah-lah-peh-nyoh”
This spicy pepper packs heat and a tricky pronunciation. Make sure you hit that Spanish “ñ” like you learned in Spanish class all those years ago.
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Read it Here: 12 Lies About Food You Probably Believed At Some Point
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Read it Here: Why Buying Into Detox Tea Hype Is a Waste of Money
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
