The list was created by the language-learning platform Babbel and conveniently includes the correct pronunciation for words that have influenced viral moments and global milestones. Barry Keoghan, pronounced as BARR-ee key-OH-gin, is an award-winning Irish actor who made headlines in 2024 not just for his acting but also for his personal life when it was revealed he was dating US pop star Sabrina Carpenter. The couple recently decided to take a break from their year-long relationship, according to People, generating more interest around the actor known for roles in Saltburn and Dunkirk. Despite his fame, many outside of Ireland struggle to pronounce his last name, which features a hard ‘g,’ unlike other Irish variations where the ‘g’ is typically silent.
Espresso, pronounced es-PRESS-oh, is a word coffee enthusiasts have long pronounced correctly. In 2024, it gained more attention, especially among Sabrina Carpenter fans, when she released a catchy song with the same name. Two weeks after its debut on May 3, Espresso became Carpenter’s first number one single in the UK, with Babbel noting it begins with ‘es,’ not ‘ex’.
Phryge, pronounced FREE-je, is the mascot of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. It sparked conversations due to its quirky design and the confusion over its name. The mascot’s name, inspired by the Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty, was introduced by the Games’ organisers as caps that are “sporty, love to party, and are so French.”
Shein, pronounced SHE-in, is a fast-fashion giant from China that has left some shoppers puzzled, with many opting to call it ‘Sheen.’ The company has been embroiled in controversies over its use of cotton from China’s Xinjiang region and other issues related to workers’ rights and its extensive supply chain, yet it might be preparing for a debut on the London stock market next year.
Speculoos-3b, pronounced SPEK-yuh-lohss three bee, is an Earth-sized exoplanet discovered orbiting a red dwarf star. Announced by astronomers in May this year, the planet, located about 55 light-years from Earth, shares its name with the popular Belgian biscuit but is actually named after the global network of robotic telescopes that detected it.
Josko Gvardiol, pronounced YOSH-ko GVAR-dee-ol, is a Croatian footballer who has gained recognition as a defender for Manchester City. Although many struggle with his name, he made 32 appearances for the Premier League champions before scoring a remarkable goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this year. He now has seven goals in the Premier League.
Ncuti Gatwa, pronounced n-SHOO-ti GAT-wah, is well-known for his roles in Sex Education and Doctor Who. In an interview earlier this year, Ncuti Gatwa shared that even he was surprised to learn from his mother that his name wasn’t “Shootee” but rather has an ‘n’ sound followed by a pause and ‘shoo-tee’.
Snus, pronounced SNOOZ, is a smokeless tobacco product from Sweden. It usually comes in small pouches placed between the gums and upper lip, delivering nicotine directly into the bloodstream. Despite its spelling, it is pronounced ‘snooz,’ with a long ‘o’ and a soft, slightly ‘z’-like ‘s’, according to Babbel. Although its popularity is increasing, oral tobacco products like snus were banned in the UK under The Tobacco for Oral Use (Safety) Regulations in 1992.
Flygskam, pronounced FLEEG-skam, is a Swedish term meaning “flight shame,” popularised by climate activist Greta Thunberg, who avoids flying to reduce environmental impact. The term now represents a movement encouraging reduced air travel to combat climate change. Although initially seen as difficult to pronounce, it is easier when broken down into ‘fleeg’ and ‘skam’. The term gained attention after the Swedish government announced plans to eliminate its tax on airline tickets in the middle of next year.
Cryptosporidium, pronounced krip-toe-spuh-RID-ee-um, created chaos in May this year in a small town in Devon and challenged newsreaders across the country with its pronunciation. Often shortened to crypto, this microscopic parasite causes cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal illness marked by severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, and dehydration. An outbreak in Brixham, southwest England, led to some residents requiring hospital treatment, and thousands of properties were under a boil notice.