As 2025 draws to a close, a new linguistic study has unveiled the words and names that Brits and people across the globe have struggled most to pronounce correctly this year. The list, a fascinating snapshot of the year's cultural and news highlights, includes rising political stars, celebrated athletes, viral phenomena, and even the world's most famous museum.
From the Pitch to Politics: Names That Tripped Us Up
Linguistic experts from the language learning platform Babbel, working with the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters (BIVR), have compiled the definitive list of verbal stumbling blocks. The data pinpointed the surname of England and Arsenal football sensation Michelle Agyemang as one of the most frequently mispronounced words of the year. Agyemang emerged as a hero for the Lionesses during Euro 2025, clinching the Young Player of the Tournament award. Her surname, of Akan origin from Ghana meaning "saviour of a nation," should be pronounced "Ah-jeh-maŋ," the experts clarified.
Another prominent name on the list belongs to Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected Mayor of New York City. Mamdani's historic victory on 4 November 2025 made him the city's youngest mayor in over a century. His name was repeatedly misstated in media circles, with a notable slip by the White House Press Secretary, who referred to him as "Zamdani." The correct pronunciation is "zoh-RAHN mam-DAH-nee."
Cultural Icons and Viral Trends
The list reflects a diverse mix of global culture. The Louvre, the world's most visited museum, found itself on the list after a high-profile daylight robbery of crown jewels in October captured headlines. Many, including news reporters, tripped over the silent 're', incorrectly emphasising the final syllable. The proper pronunciation is a soft "LOOV-ruh," with the ending barely audible.
Pop culture was well represented, with the collectible plush toy Labubu (luh-BOO-boo) and the Pokémon Rayquaza (ray-KWAY-zuh) confusing many. The list also featured the name of basketball giant Victor Wembanyama (wem-bahn-YA-mah), the diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro (mown-JAHR-OH), and the viral song title "Can't Get Knafeh of It" (cah-NEFF-eh).
Why Pronunciation Matters
Noël Wolf, a linguistic and cultural expert at Babbel, commented on the findings. "2025 revealed names, brands and cultural touchpoints that have tested even the most confident speakers," Wolf said. "This year's list is marked by global news moments, viral songs and headline-making medical terminology. Each has slipped into daily conversation while bringing its own pronunciation puzzle."
Wolf highlighted that many of the mispronounced words originate from languages other than English, reflecting the UK's richly diverse cultural landscape. "Approaching these unfamiliar words with curiosity and confidence makes a real difference," she advised. "Much like learning a new language, getting pronunciation right deepens communication and strengthens our connection to the cultures behind the words."
The full list of 2025's most mispronounced words also includes actor Alexander Skarsgård (skarz-GORD), Welsh landmark Glyndŵr National Park (glyn-DOOR), flip-flop brand Havaianas (ah-vah-YAH-nas), and the portmanteau "Nonmonogamummy" (non-muh-NOG-uh-mum-ee).
