Top 5 Most Mispronounced Words of 2025 Revealed in NYC

BREAKING: The Top 5 Most Mispronounced Words of 2025 have just been unveiled, and New Yorkers are eager to see how they measure up! According to a new report by Babbel and the Captioning Group, these words have stumped many, even in the bustling Empire State.

UPDATE: This list highlights a fascinating cultural challenge as New Yorkers navigate words from diverse origins. The findings reveal that even the most seasoned locals struggle with certain pronunciations.

At the number 6 spot is Havaianas (ah-va-YAH-nas), a popular flip-flop brand that many pronounce incorrectly. If you’ve stumbled over this word, you’re not alone; it’s not often that you’ll need to say it!

Surprisingly, Alex Murdaugh comes in at number 5 (AL-ick MUR-dock). The former lawyer, convicted of killing his wife and son in 2021, has become a household name, despite the confusion surrounding his name’s pronunciation.

In number 4, we have the common pain reliever acetaminophen (uh-SEE-tuh-MIH-nuh-fin). This word gained notoriety earlier this year when even President Trump struggled to pronounce it correctly!

The number 3 most mispronounced word is Louvre (LOOV-ruh), the iconic museum in Paris. It was recently in the headlines due to a high-profile jewelry heist, drawing even more attention to its name.

At number 2, the trendy weight-loss drug Mounjaro (mown-JAHR-OH) has also left many tongue-tied. This product has soared in popularity, but its name remains a challenge for many.

Finally, the number 1 mispronounced word is Zohran Mamdani (zoh-RAHN mam-DAH-nee), who was elected Mayor of New York on November 4, 2025. His name has become widely recognized, yet remains difficult for some to articulate correctly.

How do you fare against this list? The report encourages readers to reflect on their own pronunciation skills and share their experiences with friends. As mispronunciations can spark laughter and conversation, this list is sure to be shared widely across social media platforms.

Stay tuned for more updates as New Yorkers continue to navigate these linguistic challenges!