From capital cities (yes, seriously) to iconic neighbourhoods, Aussie-bred mispronunciations are frighteningly common.

Our laidback drawl is globally adored but did you know we’re pronouncing our own hometowns inaccurately? A recent study conducted by Preply, an online language learning platform, combed through search data for 332 Australian hot spots and discovered the number of times people have Googled ‘How to pronounce’ or ‘How to say’ our most recognisable destinations. While it may be distinctly un-Australian to get all of them right, some are downright cringe-worthy. Drumroll, please…

10. Derby, Western Australia

Don’t say: Dar-bee

Do say: Der-bee

Spectacular dirt terrain, tropical mangrove swamps and one consistently misarticulated moniker. Poor old Derby in Western Australia may serve as one of the most unforgettable things to do in the Kimberley but it’s come in as the tenth most mispronounced place in the country. Resist the temptation to switch the ‘e’ for an ‘a’ and take a more refined approach without a second thought.

9. Warwick, Queensland

Don’t say: Wor-rick

Do say: Wa-rick

Boot-scootin’ babies can’t get enough of Warwick in Queensland’s Southern Downs, particularly fans of the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft, one of the best events happening this month, but many haven’t the foggiest idea how to say it. Shimmying in at number nine on the list, this country town is more ahh and less ohh.

8. Ngunnawal, Australian Capital Territory

Don’t say: Nun-uh-wahl

Do say: Nun-nah-wol

It’s home to one of Australia’s best emerging city experiences, but pronouncing Ngunnawal is proving a bit of a mouthful. Registering in eighth place is the land within Canberra and a name that also represents the Traditional Owners of the Canberra region. Ditch the inclination to follow Ngunnawal’s literal ‘a’ at the second last letter and steer it towards an ‘o’ sound.

7. Balmain, New South Wales

Don’t say: Bal-mah or Bal-mahn

Do say: Bal-mane

Sadly, we’re quite some distance from chic Paris. As tempting as it is to pronounce Balmain with the type of Je ne sais quoi that fancies up Target to Tar-jay (just us?), articulating the inner west suburb of Sydney is way more literal. Next time you’re referring friends to Balmain and its epic secret summer swimming spot, call it directly as it reads.

6. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Don’t say: Can-berra

Do say: Can-bra

It doesn’t get more ocker than this. Yes, Canberra may technically contain eight letters but there’s only six letters worth bothering with. Proving once and for all that we Australians roll right over the pronunciation of an ‘er’, Canberra’s correct articulation ignores the suffix completely. Gotta love Straya’.

5. Gloucester, New South Wales

Don’t say: Glow-kester or Glou-sester

Do say: Gloss-ter

One of the prettiest Lower Mid North Coast NSW towns on the map, Gloucester on the Barrington Coast is often mispronounced for its likeness to the British town of Gloucestershire. Punch up ‘ouces’ as ‘oss’ and you’ll score top points whenever you’re referring to the magical mecca of bushwalks, cellar doors and outstanding camping.

4. Launceston, Tasmania

Don’t say: Lawn-ses-ten or Lawns-ten

Do say: Lon-ses-ten

You may get away with pronouncing Launceston similarly to how it’s spelt but you’ll need to check yourself if you’re chatting to Tassie locals. The wonderful river-facing city, home to so many beautiful historical sites and stunning scenery, should be articulated with a ‘lon’ rather than a ‘lawn’.

3. Melbourne, Victoria

Don’t say: Mel-born

Do say: Melben

Slipping in at third position is one of our native language’s most criticised pronunciations – Melbourne. Commonly referred to as ‘Mel-born’ around the world, and for understandable reasons given the spelling, our beloved culture capital is more widely accepted with a rounded off ‘ben’ sound. Again, Straya’.

2. Prahran, Victoria

Don’t say: Praa-ran

Do say: Pran

Keeping the curiosity within Victoria, the trendy suburb of Prahran has proved another bone of contention, arriving on the list in second place. Renowned for its outstanding shopping, dining and entertainment, making it a must-explore on any multi-day itinerary of Melbourne, Prahan should be shortened to just a smidge over one syllable to earn authenticity points off locals.

1. Cairns, Queensland

Don’t say: Kerns or Can

Do say: Cans

Are you one of the savvy few who don’t stumble over Cairns when you’re saying it out loud? You’re sitting in the minority. Coming in at first place is Far North Queensland’s tropical gateway. Perhaps we should blame the Frenchies for tagging their big Cannes film festival with too-similar a name, but the ongoing debate surrounding the pronunciation of Cairns is as robust as the verdict on pineapple-topped pizza. Here it is, once and for all: Cans. Now, there’s no excuse.