Numerous counties, cities, and locations in California have names that honor the state’s rich and varied past. For English speakers, pronouncing many of these names can be difficult because they are of Spanish, Native American, or other origin languages.
Even though both locals and tourists frequently mispronounce or disagree with certain of these names, others are well-known and universally accepted.
About Zzyzx (San Bernardino County)
Zzyzx is a small unincorporated hamlet in San Bernardino County, approximately 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, and is one such name.
Not only is Zzyzx one of the most mispronounced names in the nation, but it is also one in California.The pronunciation of ZY, which rhymes with EYE, is Zicks. However, many individuals might be inclined to pronounce it Zee-zix or Ziz-ix.
The History Behind the name Zzyzx
There is an interesting and contentious past to the name Zzyzx. Known as Soda Springs before 1944, it was a Mojave Desert natural oasis. The area was claimed by Curtis Howe Springer, a self-styled physician and radio evangelist, in 1944, and he constructed a health resort known as Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa.
According to him, Zzyzx means “the place where you relax” and is the final word in the English language.Along with his assertion that he created the name, he also mentioned that he may have taken it directly from Thomas Pynchon’s 1937 book The Crying of Lot 49, according to some reports.
Springer was a scammer and crook who deceived his listeners and followers by offering fictitious treatments and medications. Along with breaking federal land restrictions, he unlawfully diverted water from a nearby spring to his resort. After being detained and forced to leave the land in 1974, the federal government recovered it.
Later, the Desert Studies Center was established on the land when it was given to the California State University system. But in 1984, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names decided to keep the name Zzyzx and gave it official recognition.
Some Other Mispronounced Names in California
California is home to a large number of names that can be challenging to pronounce, particularly those with Spanish or Native American roots.
Here are some instances of names that people in California frequently pronounce incorrectly, along with how they should be pronounced:
- Ahwahnee: ahh-wah-nee
- Lompoc: lom-poke
- Los Gatos: loss-gah-toss
- San Joaquin: san wah-keen
- Siskiyou: sis-kew
- Suisun City: suh-soon
- Port Hueneme: port why-nee-mee
- Cudahy: kuh-duh-hay
- Ripon: rye-pun
- Tulelake: too-lee-lake
These are just a few of the names that could lead to misunderstandings or arguments among both residents and tourists. The place names in California are a reflection of the state’s rich and varied past.
You May Also Read:
- Route 66 Wonders: 5 Landmarks That Define Route 66 in California
- These Towns in California Have the Best Safari Experiences
- This California City Has Been Named as the Highest Obesity Rate in the State
- The Top 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Fremont, California
- This California City Has the Most Homeless People in the State
To Conclude
With influences from Spanish, Native American, and other languages, California’s place names provide insight into its varied past. Certain names, like Zzyzx, have interesting and often contentious origins, yet pronouncing them correctly can be difficult.
Even though it can be difficult, accepting the correct pronunciations demonstrates respect for the cultural legacy ingrained in these names and aids in our understanding of the complex history of California.
