If You Can Pronounce These 14 Words, You’ve Lived in Texas Too Long

Texas is known for BBQ, football, and a state pride level that’s unmatched. But if you really want to prove you belong in the Lone Star State, you need to master its trickiest place names. With a mix of Spanish, Native American, and good ol’ Texas twang, some of these words sound nothing like they look—so if you can pronounce them all effortlessly, congratulations, you might just be a true Texan.

14 Words Only True Texans Can Pronounce

Texas (Teks-uss)

If you say “Teks-is,” we’re sending you back to Oklahoma.

Bexar (Bear)

That “x” is just there to confuse outsiders.

Boerne (BURR-nee)

If you say “Born” or “Bo-ern,” you’re buying the next round.

Manchaca (MAN-shack)

Looks Spanish, but Texas does things its own way.

Gruene (Green)

If you say “Groo-en,” you’re not getting into the dance hall.

Refugio (Reh-FYOO-ree-oh)

There’s no logic here, just go with it.

Mexia (Muh-HAY-uh)

If you say “Mex-ee-uh,” bless your heart.

Palacios (Puh-LASH-us)

Spanish rules? Not in Texas.

Waxahachie (Wok-suh-HATCH-ee)

Say it wrong, and you’ll never find it on a map.

Pedernales (Perd-uh-NAL-iss)

Looks Spanish, sounds Texan.

Nacogdoches (Nack-uh-DOE-chiss)

If you can say it, you probably know its twin city in Louisiana.

Lufkin (LUFF-kin)

Simple, but outsiders always overcomplicate it.

Kuykendahl (KIRK-en-dahl)

If you can say it, you’ve survived Houston traffic.

Llano (LAN-no)

Forget your high school Spanish, it’s wrong here.

If you got all of these right, congratulations—you’ve earned the right to debate Whataburger vs. Buc-ee’s, complain about I-35 traffic, and explain to outsiders that “fixin’ to” is a perfectly valid phrase. You also know that Dr Pepper is a food group, that chili never has beans, and that if someone says “y’all,” they’re probably about to offer you something good to eat. For everyone else, just listen, learn, and let a local do the talking—preferably over brisket and a Shiner Bock.