OPINION

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Utah’s most misspelled word

Jun 6, 2022, 3:49 PM | Updated: Jun 23, 2022, 11:25 am

Utah spelling...

Out of all the words Americans misspell the most, Utah's is the hardest. Image credit: Canva.

Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.

I’ve been around, so I feel I can truthfully say that Utahns have more state pride than anywhere else. Except Texas. But Texas pride is an in-your-face kind of boastful proud that says “we’re great, you suck.”

Utahns? They’re just as proud, with a difference I call humble confidence. We have the mountains, the fry sauce, and we apparently spell better than the rest of the country.

Google Trends just released the list of words most misspelled in each state. They basically compiled a list of every time somebody Googled “how do you spell (fill in the blank).”

And they’re not words like antidisestablishmentarianism. Or supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Seriously, they’re words like tomato and sorry, and little. Really?

At least the word most misspelled by Utahns is a difficult word with French origin. It comes up every prom season, and every time there’s a wedding. Can you guess?

While you wrack your brain, consider this. Down in Texas, home of the new National Spelling Bee Champion — Texas, where they think everybody else sucks — according to Google, the word they misspell the most is normal.

Is that a hard word? For comparison purposes, Colorado stumbles on the word choice. Wyoming can’t spell autumn. Nevada chokes on the word seizure.

But in Utah? We stumble on the word boutonniere.

It’s harder. We’re smarter.

But be humble about it. The way Texas behaves, it’s not — normal.

N-O-R-M-A-L. Duh.

At least when Utahns trip it’s on a word that’s almost impossible. Boutonniere.

Did I spell that right?

Other Minutes of News:

Listen to Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News every weekday from 3 to 7 p.m. for more of his “My Minute of News.” And check out the podcast below.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Opinion

A diverse group of neighbors gathers in a gymnasium for a Halloween party, smiling and engaging in ...

Boyd Matheson

Boyd Matheson: Why the first Wednesday of November matters most

Wednesday morning after Election Day in America is an exploration of how community and resilience shape our future.

20 hours ago

here movie poster next to ksl movie show host steve salles...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Here’ tries something new and different

"Here" spans nearly four billion years or seven days --depending on who you talk to. Does it work as a movie?

3 days ago

Music by John Williams movie poster...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Music by John Williams’ is an exceptional documentary

'Music by John Williams' is an A+ documentary that's even worth rewatching, says KSL Movie Reviewer Steve Salles.

4 days ago

A front page Chicago Herald and Examiner headline following the "War of the Worlds" broadcast scare...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: The War of the Worlds

The night the Martians... and my mom… both arrived.

4 days ago

"Happy Warrior" in the workplace....

Amanda Dickson

Dickson: Career success for the ‘Happy Warrior’

The happy warrior is more than just a hard worker, but one that lifts those in the workplace.

6 days ago

A collection of clocks representing the urgency of political action, emphasizing the importance of ...

Boyd Matheson

Boyd Matheson: It is time to choose the present

Leadership can only happen in the present, not by focusing on the past or making promises for the future.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

4 construction workers fixing roof against clouds blue sky, install shingles at the top of the hous...

Chipman Roofing

Weather the storms by maintaining your roof

By taking the time to assess your roof's condition and make repairs as needed, you maintain the longevity of your home's stability.

Tax Harassment...

Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Feeling intimidated by the IRS? 6 Essential facts you should know.

If you are receiving threatening letters and wage garnishments from the IRS, hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

Photo courtesy of Nightmare on 13th...

Nightmare on 13th

Here’s why Nightmare on 13th is the best haunted house in Utah

Fall brings Halloween, and Halloween brings Haunted Houses. There’s no better Haunted House than Nightmare on 13th – here’s why!

USA, Utah, Bear Lake. The deep blue of Utah's Bear Lake contrasts with autumn foliage....

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Experience Bear Lake’s all-year activities

We break down Bear Lake's four-season recreational offerings so the whole family can enjoy their time there any time of the year.

Water park with a vintage VW bug in front with a surfboard on top...

Cowabunga Bay

Spend the last days of summer at Cowabunga Bay! 

Cowabunga Bay is one of Utah's premier water parks that features water slides, a lazy river, a kids' cove, and a beach with lounge chairs.

A young woman smiles while reading the menu at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying the panoramic view o...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best restaurants to try in Bear Lake

Save this guide to the best restaurants in Bear Lake when you need to find a place to dine during your next visit.

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Utah’s most misspelled word