
The Ultimate Wisconsin Pronunciation Test: 9 Towns You’ll Get Wrong
Wisconsin town names aren’t just words; they’re an unspoken rite of passage. If you can’t pronounce them correctly, you’re either a tourist, a transplant, or someone who still calls it a "bubbler" just to fit in.
I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, but for the past 30 years, I've called Illinois home. Of all the lessons Wisconsin history class had to offer, mastering the pronunciation of these town names has provided me with the most amusement in life.
Just wait until you see the video of Chicago's Chance the Rapper trying to pronounce the last place on this list.
Never Trust Someone from Wisconsin if They Can't Pronounce These Places

Waunakee
Ah, Waunakee, "The Only Waunakee in the World." It sounds fancy until you realize half of the locals say it like they’re speed-running through the syllables. If you hear someone call it "WANNA-kee," proceed with caution—this person may not actually be from around here.
(WAH-nuh-kee)
Ashwaubenon
If you can say Ashwaubenon flawlessly on the first try, congratulations—you’re legally required to cheer for the Packers. It’s also home to the stadium district, which means you’ll probably be slurring the name after a few Spotted Cows anyway.
(ASH-wah-buh-non)
Menomonie
Not to be confused with Menominee, Menomonie is one of those names that sounds deceptively easy until you panic and throw in extra vowels. If you say "Meh-NO-min-nee," I regret to inform you that you are now banned from Kwik Trip. I have friends who went to college at UW Stout in Menomonie and they always called the town, "Me-No-Money."
(Meh-NOM-uh-nee)
Mukwonago
Fun fact: If you mispronounce Mukwonago, you have to buy the next round of cheese curds. Bonus points if you confidently say "Muck-won-AH-go" like you're casting a spell.
(Muck-WAHN-uh-go)
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Minocqua
This Northwoods gem is a playground for anyone who enjoys fishing, drinking, and pretending mosquitoes aren’t ruining their entire trip. If you say "Min-OH-qua," please report to the nearest gas station to apologize to an old guy in a Packers hat.
(Min-AH-kwuh)
Wauwatosa
Locals lovingly call it "Tosa" because honestly, even they don’t want to say the full name every time.
(Wah-wuh-TOE-sah)
Manitowoc
This town made headlines thanks to Making a Murderer, but the real crime is when someone says "Mani-toe-wok." If you add an extra syllable, expect a Wisconsonite to glare at you over their Old Fashioned.
(MAN-ih-tuh-walk)
Kaukauna
It’s simple: If you can’t pronounce Kaukauna, you probably also don’t know what Kaukauna cheese is. And that’s just embarrassing.
(Kuh-KAW-nuh)
And lastly, my favorite of the bunch
Oconomowoc
Saving the best for last. If you can confidently pronounce Oconomowoc, you’ve officially reached Wisconsin pronunciation mastery. If you can spell it without looking, you’re probably a spelling bee champion or someone with way too much time on their hands.
WATCH Chance the Rapper below try to pronounce this Wisconsin town:
The Ultimate Wisconsin Pronunciation Challenge
If you made it through this list without hesitation, congrats. You are either a born-and-raised Cheesehead or a dedicated Wisconsin enthusiast. If not, don’t worry—you can always practice by ordering a brat and washing it down with a Leinie’s. But until you can say "Oconomowoc" three times fast, we’re keeping a close eye on you.
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