The year 2025 has its own linguistic challenges, as a new list from the United States highlights the words and names that English speakers most frequently stumble over. Topping this year's compilation are two notably different terms: the name of a Canadian political figure, Zohran Mamdani, and the world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris.
What Made the 2025 Mispronunciation List?
The annual list, compiled by language experts and released in early December 2025, aims to shed light on the words that consistently cause pronunciation difficulties. The inclusion of Zohran Mamdani, a Canadian politician whose name has gained prominence, points to the increasing cross-border recognition of Canadian figures. Meanwhile, the Louvre, despite its global fame, continues to be a source of phonetic uncertainty for many, particularly in North America.
For the record, the standard pronunciation for the French museum is "LOOV-ruh" or "LOOV", with a silent final 'e' and a soft 'r'. The name Mamdani, of South Asian origin, is often mispronounced with emphasis on the wrong syllable; the correct pronunciation is closer to "MAHM-dah-nee".
Why Do These Words Trip Us Up?
Linguists suggest several reasons behind these common errors. Names from languages with different phonetic rules, like Mamdani, often present a challenge. Similarly, loanwords from French, such as Louvre, retain their original pronunciation conventions, which can be unfamiliar to English speakers accustomed to different sound patterns.
The list was published on December 04, 2025, and serves as a lighthearted reminder of the evolving nature of language and the influence of global culture on everyday speech. It reflects how names from politics and landmarks from tourism enter common parlance faster than our collective ability to say them correctly.
The Broader Context of Language and Recognition
While the list is U.S.-focused, its contents have resonance in Canada, a multilingual society often navigating pronunciations from English, French, and a multitude of other languages. The mention of a Canadian politician underscores the international reach of the country's political landscape.
Beyond being a curiosity, such lists often spark conversations about cultural respect and the importance of making an effort to pronounce names and terms correctly, especially those significant to other communities.
As language continues to adapt and absorb new influences, it's likely that 2026 will bring its own set of phonetically challenging words to the forefront of public discourse.
