This year’s linguistic struggles encompassed prominent figures like Zohran Mamdani, who dueled with reporters and rivals alike over his name's tricky pronunciation. Often muddled, his name correctly sounds like zoh-RAHN mam-DAH-nee and now stands as a symbol for the challenges presented by diverse naming conventions. He joins the Louvre, mispronounced frequently despite its international fame, and Babbel’s recent findings indicate the soft ‘ruh’ in the Louvre can trip up even seasoned speakers. The list also features elusive words like acetaminophen (uh-SEE-tuh-MIH-nuh-fen) and trending medications like Mounjaro (mown-JAHR-OH), showcasing how language evolves as society does.
Words That Stumped: 2025's Most Mispronounced Terms
Words That Stumped: 2025's Most Mispronounced Terms
Language-learning app Babbel identifies the top mispronounced names and words of 2025, including NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and the Louvre.
In 2025, several names and terms made headlines for their tricky pronunciations. Zohran Mamdani, New York's first Muslim mayor, struggled with pronunciation as he rose in politics. Meanwhile, the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, also topped the list. Babbel's report highlighted common missteps, showcasing the fascinating challenge of language adaptation. The report included other words like 'acetaminophen' and 'Mounjaro', emphasizing the linguistic hurdles in today's world.
