Why Do New Yorkers Say "How-stun"? A Tale of Two Houstons
So, you've heard New Yorkers say "How-stun" when referring to Houston Street, right? And you're probably scratching your head, wondering if they’re auditioning for a bad British accent or something. Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of New York pronunciations.
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| Why Do New Yorkers Say Houston |
The Great Houston Heist
It all boils down to a case of mistaken identity. You see, the Houston Street in New York City is actually named after William Houstoun, a Revolutionary War hero. Not Sam Houston, the larger-than-life Texan. So, while the city of Houston in Texas is pronounced "Hew-ston," New York's Houston Street gets the "How-stun" treatment. It’s like naming your kid "Alexander" and then everyone calling him "Alex-under" because of a different Alexander they know.
A Linguistic Time Warp
Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, but why didn't they just change the pronunciation when everyone realized the difference?" Well, language is a stubborn beast. Once something is ingrained in the collective consciousness, it's tough to shake off. It's like trying to convince your grandma that texting is not actually witchcraft. Plus, let's face it, New Yorkers are a proud bunch. They're not going to let a little thing like historical accuracy get in the way of a good old-fashioned pronunciation quirk.
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How to Sound Like a True New Yorker
So, if you want to blend in with the locals and avoid raising eyebrows, remember to say "How-stun" when you're on Houston Street. But don't go overboard. Saying "How-ston" for the city of Houston will just make you sound like a confused tourist. And trust me, New Yorkers have enough of those to deal with.
How To...
- How to avoid sounding like a tourist: Practice saying "How-stun" for Houston Street.
- How to impress a New Yorker: Learn the correct pronunciation of other New York-specific words.
- How to survive in New York: Develop a thick skin and a sense of humor.
- How to order a bagel: Specify your preferred schmear and avoid saying "cream cheese."
- How to hail a cab: Make eye contact and hold your arm out.
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