Adirondack Pronunciation Guide

Place names in the Adirondacks can leave newcomers tongue-tied. Algonquin, Mohawk, French, Dutch and English words have morphed over the years into a North Country patois that doesn’t always follow the language of origin’s usual rules of pronunciation. In some cases, like the Boquet River, in Essex County, even those who live along it can’t agree. Is it bo-KETT? Bo-KWET? Just don’t say “boo-KAY” and you’ll fit in fine. Above is a guide to local pronunciation of some of the park’s most mangled monikers, illustrated by Saranac Laker Mark Wilson.