Americans have a fine tradition of spelling words one way and pronouncing them another. While every region of the country has contributed to this tradition, South Carolinians have elevated the practice to an art. A classic South Carolina example is the name Huger, which is pronounced YOO-JEE by natives.

This dictionary includes some 400 South Carolina names, their peculiar pronunciations, and brief stories about their origins. Many folks hailing from other parts may consider these pronunciations just plain wrong, but rest assured South Carolinians will roll their eyes when those folks ask for directions to HUE-GER Street!