We Can Tell You’re Not From Alabama If You Say These 12 Cities Wrong

If you think Alabama city names are pronounced exactly how they’re spelled… bless your heart. Locals have been quietly judging out-of-staters for years over some of these. Say one of these wrong in public, and someone nearby will immediately know you’re not from around here.

1. Arab

Looks like: Air-uhb
Actually: AY-rab
Yes, it’s pronounced like “A-rab”—and no, nobody will correct you gently.

2. Opelika

Looks like: Oh-puh-LEE-kuh
Actually: Oh-puh-LIKE-uh
One wrong vowel and suddenly you’re not getting invited to anything.

3. Talladega

Looks like: Tall-uh-DEG-uh
Actually: Tal-uh-DEG-uh
Not wildly off, but locals will hear it immediately if you hesitate.

4. Wetumpka

Looks like: Wet-UM-puh-kuh
Actually: Wuh-TUM-kuh
That first syllable trips up just about everyone.

5. Tuscaloosa

Looks like: Tusk-uh-LOO-suh
Actually: Tuss-kuh-LOO-suh
Close counts… but not here.

6. Eufaula

Looks like: You-FALL-uh
Actually: You-FAW-luh
If you say “fall,” locals will mentally note it.

7. Oneonta

Looks like: Oh-nee-ON-tuh
Actually: Oh-nee-AN-tuh
That subtle shift is everything.

8. Cullman

Looks like: Cull-MAN
Actually: KULL-mun
Say it too sharply and you’re exposed.

9. Boaz

Looks like: Bo-az
Actually: BO-az (like “Bo” + “az”)
Simple… unless you overthink it, which outsiders always do.

10. Demopolis

Looks like: Dee-MAH-polis
Actually: Dih-MOP-uh-liss
This one separates the tourists from the locals real quick.

11. Elba

Looks like: EL-buh
Actually: EL-buh (but locals say it fast and flat)
It’s not wrong… it’s how you say it.

12. Monroeville

Looks like: Mon-roe-VILL
Actually: Mun-roe-vuhl
Draw it out too cleanly and you’ll stick out instantly.

If you made it through that list without second-guessing yourself, congratulations—you might actually pass as a local. But if even one of these tripped you up, don’t worry… you’re in good company. Just know that in Alabama, pronunciation isn’t just a detail—it’s basically a personality test.