The Hard-to-Say Words of the Southwest (And How to Say Them Without Breaking a Sweat!)

Michael T
Jan 14
5 min read

Updated: Jan 20

An image featuring a tall saguaro cactus against a clear blue sky. Overlaid text provides pronunciation guidance for 'saguaro,' showing the incorrect version (suh-GWAR) crossed out in red and the correct pronunciation (suh-WAH-ro) circled in green, with an icon of a speaking head next to the word 'Pronounce.'

Moving to a new place can feel like stepping into a whole new world, especially when you’re greeted with a vocabulary that makes you second-guess your English skills. If you’ve found yourself tripping over some uniquely Southwestern words like saguaro or Gila, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Silent letters, unexpected pronunciations, and influences from Spanish and Indigenous languages make the Southwest a linguistic adventure. And guess what? That’s part of the charm!

Here’s a lighthearted guide to mastering those tricky words, so you can impress your new neighbors without feeling like you’re back in elementary school phonics class.

"Close-up image of a saguaro cactus in bloom, showcasing white flowers with yellow centers and green buds at the top. A withered, dried flower is visible in the upper right, adding contrast to the vibrant blooms."

1. Saguaro (suh-WAH-ro)

The iconic cactus that dots the desert landscapes is a classic entry in the Hard-to-Say Words of the Southwest. It’s pronounced suh-WAH-ro. Yes, that “g” is silent, which is kind of fitting for something so majestic—it lets its towering arms do all the talking. Don’t worry if you called it “sa-GWAR-o” at first. I myself used to belt out that emphatic "gwar" like I was summoning a medieval knight to battle, only to realize I was turning the desert’s gentle giant into a linguistic jousting match. We’ve all been there.

"Image of a Gila monster, a lizard with a distinctive black and orange patterned body, crawling away on a white background. Its thick tail and textured skin are prominently displayed."

2. Gila (HEE-luh)

Whether you’re talking about the Gila River, Gila monsters, or Gila Bend, the “g” here is also silent. Why? Because it’s all about that Spanish influence. The next time someone mentions HEE-luh monsters, you can respond confidently (and maybe throw in a fun fact about these venomous reptiles).

"Close-up image of a jumping cholla cactus, highlighting its dense, sharp white spines radiating outward from its green segments. The intricate details of the spines emphasize the cactus's unique appearance and notorious reputation for easily detaching segments."

3. Cholla (CHOY-uh)

This spiky plant is yet another contender for Hard-to-Say Words of the Southwest. It’s not “CHOLL-uh” or “CHO-luh.” Think “choy,” like soy, and you’ll be golden. And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for those jumping cholla—they’re prickly in every sense of the word.

"Artistic depiction of a Sasquatch-like creature standing in a desert landscape surrounded by cacti and low shrubs. The background features iconic Arizona desert mountains under a partly cloudy sky, blending mystery with the rugged beauty of the Southwest."

4. Mogollon (MUG-ee-ohn or MO-gee-yohn)

Ah, the Mogollon Rim. It’s a prime example of Hard-to-Say Words of the Southwest that trip up just about everyone because it’s often pronounced differently depending on who you ask. Most locals go with MUG-ee-ohn, while others lean toward MO-gee-yohn. Either way, people will appreciate the effort. Oh, and speaking of, did you know about the Mogollon Monster? It’s Arizona’s very own Bigfoot legend! Locals will tell you spooky tales of this mysterious creature, but don’t worry—it probably can’t hear you mispronounce its name.

Close-up of a detailed map highlighting Tucson, Arizona. The map includes nearby landmarks such as Tumamoc Hill Observatory and Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, along with highways like Interstate 10, emphasizing Tucson's location and surrounding area

5. Tucson (TOO-sawn)

This Arizona city seems straightforward until you realize that the “c” is practically invisible. It’s not “Tuck-son” (sorry, but I can’t see it without saying it this way in my head every time). Just remember: the second half rhymes with “dawn.” Now you’re a true Arizonan.

Close-up of a map highlighting the town of Ajo, Arizona, marked with a red asterisk. Surrounding areas include Tucson, Phoenix, and the border with Mexico. Key highways such as Interstate 8 and Interstate 10 are visible, emphasizing Ajo's location in southern Arizona.

6. Ajo (AH-ho)

This little town with a big heart means “garlic” in Spanish, and it’s pronounced AH-ho. The “j” takes on the Spanish “h” sound, so give yourself permission to let that “h” shine. When said correctly, it can almost be mistaken for a bold declaration. You’ll sound like you’re making an enthusiastic announcement, which feels perfectly fitting for a place with such flavor!

Historical black-and-white portrait of a Native American woman wearing a shawl and balancing a woven basket on her head. The intricate basket design and her calm, focused expression highlight the cultural significance and artistry of the image.

7. O’odham (AW-thum)

The Tohono O’odham Nation is an important part of Arizona’s heritage. Pronouncing it AW-thum (not “oh-oh-dam”) shows respect for the people and their rich culture.

Map of Arizona highlighting its counties with La Paz County shaded in yellow. The map also includes major U.S. highways and interstates, such as I-10 and U.S. 60, with county names clearly labeled for reference

8. La Paz (lah PAHZ)

Here’s one that’s simpler than it looks—lah PAHZ. The trick is to think "Paz" rhymes with "pause" rather than "jazz," as if you’re taking a moment to soak in the serene desert vibes. Smooth, right? Now, let it roll off your tongue as effortlessly as a sunset fades into twilight.

Photo of Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission located near Tucson, Arizona. The white stucco facade, intricate architectural details, and twin bell towers stand out against a vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds, showcasing the mission's rich history and beauty

9. San Xavier (San hah-vee-AIR)

This historic mission outside Tucson may look like it’s pronounced “San EX-vee-er,” but locals know better. The “x” has a soft “h” sound, thanks to its Spanish roots. Say it with confidence: San hah-vee-AIR. Though, let’s be honest, ripping off a good “sans za-vee-arrr” in the company of just one person can be ridiculously fun. It’s like you’re auditioning for a pirate movie!

Image of a man paddleboarding on Tempe Town Lake in Arizona. The scene features the lake's calm waters, the modern Tempe Center for the Arts building in the background, and the historic Mill Avenue Bridge, highlighting the blend of recreation and urban architecture.

10. Tempe (TEM-pee)

A seemingly easy one that often trips people up is Tempe. Some newcomers mistakenly pronounce it “TEM-pay” or sometimes just temp. Stick with TEM-pee, and you’ll fit right in.

Scenic view of downtown Prescott, Arizona, with its charming historic buildings and vibrant storefronts lining the street. In the background, Thumb Butte rises against a clear evening sky, adding a natural landmark to the picturesque urban setting

11. Prescott (PRESS-kit)

This one’s a classic example of local quirks. It may look like “Press-COT,” but the locals say PRESS-kit. If you’re able to say it that way without rolling your eyes, then you’re stronger than I am. They’re nice people and it’s a beautiful place, but saying it that way feels about as unnecessarily fancy as it gets. They also tend to say it real fast, like they’re rushing to prove how local they are. Now you’re in the know!

Aerial view of the Ahwatukee Foothills in Phoenix, Arizona, showcasing a residential neighborhood surrounded by the rolling desert hills characteristic of the area. The image highlights the blend of suburban living with the natural beauty of the rugged terrain and distant mountain ranges.

12. Ahwatukee (Ah-wuh-TOO-kee)

This Phoenix neighborhood often leaves newcomers scratching their heads. It’s pronounced Ah-wuh-TOO-kee and has a smooth rhythm once you get the hang of it. But don’t feel bad if it takes a few tries—we’ve all been there. Plus, it’s such a fun word to say that you might find yourself practicing it just for the satisfaction!

Map of Arizona highlighting Coconino County in yellow, with major highways such as Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 passing through. The city of Flagstaff is prominently marked, emphasizing its location within the county. Surrounding counties are also labeled for reference.

13. Coconino (KO-ko-nee-no)

This county name can throw people for a loop, but it’s easier than it looks. Say KO-ko-nee-no, and you’re good to go! Just don’t try to say it five times fast—or do, and make sure to tell us how it went!

Scenic image taken in Mesa, Arizona, featuring a red train passing through the desert landscape. The foreground includes vibrant green cacti and vegetation, while the iconic Superstition Mountains rise dramatically in the background under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, highlighting the natural beauty of the area.

Honorable Mention: Mesa (MAY-suh)

Let’s be real—most people don’t actually get this one wrong. It’s pronounced MAY-suh, not "Messa," and it’s pretty straightforward. But if I’m being honest, I’m a little biased because Mesa is home. So even though it’s not one of the usual suspects for tricky pronunciations, it deserves a shoutout for being a beautiful place with a name that’s as sunny and welcoming as the people who live here. And I just want to make sure that you know how to say it when you come rolling up in my hood.

Why It’s Okay to Get It Wrong at First

Moving to the Southwest means immersing yourself in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and yes, words that might feel foreign at first. But here’s the thing: every misstep is part of the journey. Locals are usually more than happy to help you out (and they’ve probably stumbled over a few pronunciations themselves).

So laugh it off, try again, and know that every word you learn is another step toward feeling at home in this incredible region. You’ve got this!

Your Turn: Can You Think of Any Hard-to-Say Words of the Southwest?

Are there Southwestern words you’ve struggled to pronounce? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to help (and share a laugh or two)!

Final Thought: Mastering these words isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing the beauty of learning something new. Welcome to the Southwest—you’re going to love it here!