The Most Mispronounced Words of 2025

As we dive into the nuances of language, it’s fascinating to discover which words trip us up the most. Babbel, in collaboration with The Captioning Group, has unveiled its annual list of the most mispronounced words for 2025. This year’s list highlights not only challenging vocabulary but also terms that made headlines throughout the year. Below, we examine these words and what makes them difficult for many speakers.

1. Zohran Mamdani

At the top of the list is Zohran Mamdani, the recently elected mayor of New York City. His name, pronounced as zoh-RAHN mam-DAH-nee, has become a focal point of discussion across media platforms. As a prominent political figure, the correct pronunciation of his name is essential for news anchors and citizens alike.

2. Mounjaro

Next up is Mounjaro, a weight-loss medication gaining traction in the health community. Pronounced mown-JAHR-OH, this term is often confused with similar names like Ozempic. The rise of such pharmaceutical terms in conversations highlights the interplay between health and language, especially as diet trends evolve.

3. The Louvre

The iconic art museum The Louvre (pronounced LOOV-ruh) holds cultural weight and history. Interestingly, it has been in the spotlight recently due to a notable jewelry heist. Many struggle with the southern ‘R’, making the pronunciation challenging. It reflects how our understanding of words can be influenced by their cultural context.

4. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is another term that appears frequently in casual conversations. Its pronunciation, uh-SEE-tuh-MIN-uh-fen, presents challenges despite its ubiquity in households. The word gained further attention when political figures discussed its safety amid health debates, demonstrating how nuances in pronunciation can affect public discourse.

5. Alex Murdaugh

Lastly, we have Alex Murdaugh, a name that has been circulating in the news due to tragic events surrounding his family. While many pronounce it phonetically as “Alex Mur-daw,” the correct pronunciation is AL-ick MUR-dock. This discrepancy highlights the importance of accuracy in storytelling, especially in high-profile legal cases.

Other Noteworthy Mentions

Havaianas (ah-vah-YAH-nas): The popular flip-flop brand that often confuses speakers due to its silent ‘H’.

Language is a living, breathing entity shaped by culture and context. As words evolve, so do their pronunciations, and mastering these challenges is part of embracing the richness of communication. For those interested in improving their language skills, it might be beneficial to keep an eye on these evolving terms.