10 Foods You’ve Been Pronouncing Wrong Your Whole Life

Raise your hand if you pronounced quinoa incorrectly for years before finally learning the correct version. Mine’s held high over here. We’ve all confidently said a food name in public only to realize halfway through that we’re absolutely butchering it. It happens, and honestly, some of these food names are designed to trip you up. Here’s a breakdown of the foods we’ve all been mispronouncing and how to finally say them right without the embarrassment.

Gyro.Photo byShutterstock.

Quinoa

Mispronunciation: “kwin-oh-ah”

Correct pronunciation: “keen-wah”

This ancient grain may be great for your health, but it’s been tripping people up for years.

Gyro

Mispronunciation: “jy-roh”

Correct pronunciation: “yee-roh”

This Greek favorite isn’t just tricky to eat, it’s tricky to say and Cambridge actually gets it wrong, but they're British not Greek so what do they actually know anyway? Think of it like “year-oh” but tastier. Next time you’re grabbing one at a Greek festival, you can feel a lot more confident placing your order.

Bruschetta

Mispronunciation: “broo-shetta”

Correct pronunciation: “broo-sket-ta”

If Giada taught us anything in the early 2000s Food Network days, it was that crispy bread topped with tomatoes deserves better than a bad name. Just remember: hard “k” sound, and you’re all set to sound authentically Italian.

Pho.Photo byShutterstock.

Pho

Mispronunciation: “foe”

Correct pronunciation: “fuh”

That warm Vietnamese soup isn’t pronounced “foe.” It’s “fuh” as if you're a born and bred New Yorker about to say "fuh-get-about-it." This is one of those pronunciations that just feels weird even though you're saying it correctly.

Gnocchi

Mispronunciation: “nok-ee” or “noh-chee”

Correct pronunciation: “nyoh-kee”

These soft Italian dumplings are easier to eat than say. Practice saying “nyoh-kee” to avoid the awkward look next time you order them at an Italian restaurant.

Acai

Mispronunciation: “ah-kai”

Correct pronunciation: “ah-sigh-EE”

The trendy acai bowl isn’t just tough on your wallet, it’s tough on your tongue, too. Say “ah-sigh-EE” and the smoothie shop employee won't look at you funny any more.

Charcuterie board.Photo byShutterstock.

Croissant

Mispronunciation: “kwah-sahn”

Correct pronunciation: “krwah-SAHN”

You may love your morning “kwah-sahn,” but it’s actually pronounced “krwah-SAHN.” Channel your inner Parisian and roll that “r” for the perfect French vibe.

Edamame

Mispronunciation: “ed-a-may”

Correct pronunciation: “ed-ah-MAH-meh”

Those green soybeans we all love munching on before the sushi arrives are pronounced “Ed-ah-MAH-meh.” This one's not that bad if you sound out each syllable like you were taught in first grade.

Charcuterie

Mispronunciation: “char-cute-er-ee”

Correct pronunciation: “shar-coo-tuh-ree”

Fancy meats and cheeses deserve a fancy name, and “shar-coo-tuh-ree” fits the bill. Now you can sound as sophisticated as the board itself.

Jalapeño

Mispronunciation: “ja-lap-en-oh”

Correct pronunciation: “hah-lah-peh-nyoh”

This spicy pepper packs heat and a tricky pronunciation. Make sure you hit that Spanish “ñ” like you learned in Spanish class all those years ago.