Place Names: Boston English

Compiled by Adam Gaffin

The quickest way to convince a native that you're just a tourist is to refer to "the Public Gardens" (even if you pronounce it "Public Gahdens") or "the Boston Commons." Both are singular (i.e., "Public Garden" and "Boston Common").

Other tips: Tremont is pronounced "Treh-mont," it's COPley, not COPEly, Square (or Squayuh), and the last (or first) stop on the Blue Line is Bowd'n. The pronunciation of many other Massachusetts locations bears little resemblance to their spelling; to avoid the feeling that the natives are snickering at you behind your back, take The Massachusetts Quiz.

And never, never call Boston "Beantown;" it's like calling San Francisco "Frisco" - it just won't do.

How well do you know Massachusetts? Take this quick 'n' easy quiz. Try pronouncing these Massachusetts place names:

• Berlin
• Billerica
• Cochituate
• Concord
• Leicester
• Leominster
• Peabody
• Quincy
• Waltham
• Woburn
• Worcester

The answers