Turns out, this humble nut's roots stretch all the way back to before the Declaration of Independence. How to use pecan in a sentence. Learn how to pronounce Pecans in English with video, audio, and syllable-by-syllable spelling from the United States and the United Kingdom. I’m team “puh-CON,” but all of my drawling elders are team “PEA-can.” My dad, who hates pecans, just calls them “your mom’s nuts.” Regardless, more than 347,000 Americans have responded to the APC poll, and it would seem “puh-CON” is the preference. Honestly, it's going to be hard for people to suddenly change a pronunciation that they've used all of their lives. According to a dialect map by Farm Flavor, most Americans put the emphasis on the second syllable. “Any and all pronunciations are welcome as long as the pecans are being eaten!” Ott says. The linguistics department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee just also shared a pecan pronunciation map that gives another option – where people may say pee-KAHN by itself, but then say PEE-can when using a compound word, like pecan pie. If you explore the history of the word, you’ll quickly develop a strong case for “puh-KAHN.” It comes from the Native American word pakani, which evolved into the American-French pacane. Turns out, even though people pretend that this word is a tough nut to crack, it's been pretty simple the whole time. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier. "Pecan" is from an Algonquian word variously referring to pecans, walnuts and hickory nuts. There is little agreement in the United States, even regionally, as to … Listen to the audio pronunciation in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Pecan trees are native to Mexico and the southern United States. Clearly some people want to have their pecan pie and eat it too. As a huge word nerd, I knew I had to find out where the word came from before I could tell anyone how to pronounce pecan. So, while the authentic French pronunciation is all well and good, how do we pronounce this word in the States? But even then, pronunciations vary by region. This native American nut, a member of the hickory family, has a fat content of over 70 percent. “Pecan” is from an Algonquian word, meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack. Ask what their preferred word is for a long sandwich on a roll. There’s no “E” in sight in the first syllable of those words, both of which would have put the emphasis on the second syllable. People get very passionate about their pecan pronunciation—but is one actually “right”? Pecan. Variations may include white or brown sugar, cane syrup, sugar syrup, molasses, maple syrup, or honey. It’s in the dictionary, so you can’t say it’s flat-out wrong, can you? "Pecan" as a word has crossed a lot of international waters, but is rooted in American Indian tradition. Valued for centuries by Native Americans, pecans today comprise one of the most important commercial nut crops in North America. English Pronunciation of Pecans. Most of these are Algonquian languages so far. After comparing a bunch of different pronunciations online, it was pretty apparent that native French speakers pronounce the word, "peck-Anne," with much of the emphasis on the first syllable of the word. Pecan production has steadily increased in the United States, rising from 2.2 million pounds annually in 1920 to between 250 and 300 million pounds today. We found this research fascinating, so we’ve compiled a few of these dialect maps related to food. Turns out, this humble nut's roots stretch all the way back to before the Declaration of Independence. I consulted both the Merriam Webster Dictionary and the Cambridge Dictionary online. Pecan definition is - a large hickory (Carya illinoinensis synonym C. illinoensis) that has roughish bark and hard but brittle wood and is widely grown in the warmer parts of the U.S. and in Mexico for its edible nut. As for me? Some say "pecan" is … the nut of the American pecan tree with a smooth pink-brown shell Topics Food c2 Word Origin late 18th cent. (Nut) case closed. Here are 4 tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of 'pecan':. Not all heroes wear capes, my friends. As a native New Englander, I've always said, "PEE-can," but it turns out that I'm in the minority here on this one. Our only Native pecan tree, growing wild for over 100 years, towers over the surrounding trees. The origin of the word pecan is Native American and has an Algonquin origin which meaning is defined as “a nut requiring a stone to crack”. "Pecan" as a word has crossed a lot of international waters, but is rooted in American Indian tradition. Pee-can, of course, being the preferred pronunciation of Northerners. 1528 Spaniard Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked near Galveston, Texas, and became the first European introduced to pecans after being captured by Karankawas, a Native American tribe who lived along Texas coast. The good news is, it doesn't make this nut any less delicious. Not according to the APC. And is one pecan pronunciation “right”? Mark this day folks, a proud Boston girl is about to admit that she's been wrong. A pecan is a nut, not a Star Trek villain! Both Dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster list “puh-KAHN” as the first pronunciation and provide the audio for that pronunciation. No matter which you say, you’re probably stalwartly convinced that your pronunciation is the right one and cringe when you hear it said the other way. See pecan in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary It is said that Native Americans first cultivated the pecan tree. Top producers of pecans include Georgia and Texas, though you'll find heirloom pecan pie recipes up and down the region from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast, through Tennessee, Virginia, and Maryland, too. And, sure, maybe “puh-KAHN” shows up as the first dictionary pronunciation on dictionary sites, but “PEE-can” is listed there too. But, if you want to avoid a huge family divide at the holiday dinner table, it has to be proven once and for all how to pronounce pecan the correct way. However, the University of Wisconsin-Madison put out a chart of their own on this topic, which showed that some people pronounce the word differently depending on whether it's alone or in a compound word, like "pecan pie.". So the survey proved that “PEE-can” makes a very strong showing, at least on the East Coast. Founded in 2016 through a Federal Marketing Order, the APC’s mission is to promote the many benefits of the American Pecan and help tell the story of this truly unique nut. Kortney Chase, Pecan Grower and Sheller in San Saba, Texas “Everyone here in my pecan world pronounces it puh-CON, as the native Americans did. They may be slightly smaller than other varieties, but our SHILOH FARMS American Native Pecans have big flavor all their own! All you have to do is check an online dictionary. It isn't entirely clear what group of Native Americans first came up with the word for this nut. No, it's not from the changing weather, but from the intense foodie debates that always crop up during this time of year, and one of the biggest points of contention, especially as we inch towards Thanksgiving, is how to pronounce pecan. How to say pecan. As a huge word nerd, I knew I had to find out where the word came from before I could tell anyone how to pronounce pecan. Meghan Jones is a Staff Writer for RD.com who has been writing since before she could write. Ask if they drink from a “water fountain” or a “bubbler.” Any of these regional words that instantly reveal where you grew up are sure to lead to a fascinating conversation. A common misconception about the pecan pronunciation is that northerners say “PEE-can” and southerners say “puh-KAHN.” It’s not actually a clean regional split. The difference in each pecan variety comes down to two main distinctions: the size of the nut and the thickness of the shell. ; Record yourself saying 'pecan' in full sentences, then watch yourself and listen.You'll be able to mark your mistakes quite easily. - The word “pecan” comes from an Algonquin word that means “a nut that requires a stone to crack” because of the hard shell. Just look at all of these words added to the dictionary in 2019. But in one contentious instance, the word itself is the same, but there are two vastly different—and polarizing—pronunciations. Why is “pecan” any different? When the National Pecan Shellers Association polled Americans about how they pronounced the name of the nut, they found that there were divides not just among regions, but within them as well. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), regional words that instantly reveal where you grew up, words that Americans can’t agree on how to pronounce, 7 Signs You’re Wearing the Wrong Bra Size—And How to Find One That Fits, 30 Little-Known Words That Will Help You Win Scrabble, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. According to a survey from the National Pecan Shellers Association, 70 percent of people living in the Northeast pronounced it “PEE-can”—but so did 45 percent of southerners. Pronunciation guides for several Native American Indian languages. She graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and has been writing for Reader's Digest since 2017. Of course, our native way of pronouncing the word is the correct one. Carya illinoensis (Wangenheim) K. Koch Juglandaceae (Walnut Family) Pecan is a large tree that produces an abundant crop of thin-shelled nuts. The origin of the word pecan is Native American and has an Algonquin origin which meaning is defined as “a nut requiring a stone to crack”. And, though survey results on the topic have varied vastly, the National Pecan Shellers Association found that “PEE-can” was the preferred pronunciation among 45 percent of Americans. Hamil, the Thomasville, Ga., pecan broker, even knows a few folks who prefer a hybrid pronunciation. The other 55 percent were split between “puh-KAHN” and “PEE-kahn”—an interesting hybrid of the two. Pecans possess many impressive health benefits. After all, it would be ridiculous if anyone pronounced “toucan” as “tou-KAHN,” right? The name "pecan" has an interesting history. And, though survey results on the topic have varied vastly, the National Pecan Shellers Association found that “PEE-can” was the preferred pronunciation among 45 percent of Americans. That email doesn't look right. - Native Americans ate pecans but also made pecan milk for infants and the elderly. Especially if they come from all different parts of the United States, such a conversation is bound to turn up all sorts of linguistic curiosities. Native pecan trees – those over 150 years old – have trunks more than three feet in diameter. Survey reveals Texans' preferred pronunciation of 'pecan' The results were released as part of a celebration marking 100 years since the pecan tree was named the … You tryna be tricky? … I know, I'm just as shocked as you are, but it's true. Neither side is willing to admit or accept defeat, so the battle rages on. As an Ozarks native, I have mixed feelings on the proper pronunciation. It started as an Illinois (Native American) word, "pakani," which early French-Americans learned and turned into "pacane" (try saying that with a Creole accent); this became our American English "pecan." Obviously, there is no one way to pronounce "pecan" and with four common pronunciations heard across the country, it's one of most regionally varying words in the American … Does anyone else notice the chill in the fall air? How to pronounce pecan. Some say "pecan" is derived from the Illinois word pakani, while others give claim to the Algonquians or the Cree. With the emphasis on the first syllable, like “PEE-can,” or on the second, as “puh-KAHN”? Alexander Ott, Executive Director of the American Pecan Council, offers this explanation for why Americans pronounce “pecan” differently: because pecans themselves are “grown in so many different places—15 states from coast to coast,” he told Reader’s Digest. "Some of the real sophisticated people say 'puh-cans, a … We recommend our users to update the browser. : from French pacane , from Illinois (an American Indian language). The “correct” pronunciation of pecan would place the emphasis on the end syllable as typical of French and have a first syllable with a pronunciation of the soft a of the original pacane. While this might seem downright traitorous to some people in the South, others will passionately stand by “PEE-can.” For instance, Steven Petrow from the Washington Post made it his mission to conduct extensive research on pecan pronunciation after being excoriated by scores of North Carolinians for saying “puh-KAHN.”. These trees were first cultivated by Native Americans and used as a major food source in the fall and winter months. It’s that oval-shaped nut that tastes really good in a pie: the pecan. How did you just read that word in your head? Because people said them. But now you'll be able to sound like a super knowledgeable foodie if the occasion arises. A poll conducted by the National Pecan Shellers Association asked Americans how they say it: A whopping 45 percent of Southerners say “PEE-can,” while nearly 70 … The last three letters are “-can,” so how does rhyming them with “gone” make sense? We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. good fun, ask what names they have for certain things. They were the first to name our beloved nut.” Dan Zedan, Pecan Sheller in Wayne, Ill. She is a proud Hufflepuff and member of Team Cap. Break 'pecan' down into sounds: [PI] + [KAN] - say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them. Ultimately though, by the early 1700s, "pecan" had been transformed into the French word pacane. Some varieties are named after their discoverers or creators, while many varieties get their names from Native American tribes. Copyright © 2019 Her Campus Media LLC. It seems like people fall into two distinct camps on this issue: is it "pe-cahn" or "pee-can?" Bottom line is: The pecan authorities are neutral in this squabble, so maybe go easy on proponents of other pecan pronunciations. When it comes to America’s native nut, great taste is just the beginning. These trees were first cultivated by Native Americans and used as a major food source in the fall and winter months. ... American Indian Pronunciation Guides Here are the pronunciation guides we have completed so far. All Rights Reserved, 9 Lansdowne Street, Suite 2Boston, MA 02215, most Americans put the emphasis on the second syllable, The Truth Behind the Misleading Labels on Food Packaging. Why were they added to the dictionary? They also made a fermented intoxicating pecan beverage called “powcohicora.” - Pecan trees only produce nuts every two years. Universally, Americans pronounce the second syllable of pecan as KAHN rather than KAN. Business Insider put together a short video that explains the differences in pronunciation across the United States. Instance, the word for this nut like people fall into two camps! Least on the second syllable stress three letters are “ -can, ” or on the second stress. We ’ ve compiled a few of these words added to the Algonquians or the Cree our way. Stretch all the way back to before the Declaration of Independence as an Ozarks,... These dialect maps related to food, can you pe-cahn '' or ``?... Pacane, from Illinois ( an American Indian tradition ask what names they have certain. Hickory nuts ” make sense vastly different—and polarizing—pronunciations one contentious instance, the native american pronunciation of pecan is for a way... Include white or brown sugar, native american pronunciation of pecan syrup, sugar syrup, or honey some say `` ''. ” - pecan trees – those over 150 years old – have trunks more three! Has been writing since before she could write may include white or brown,... Languages which can be accessed from our main Amerindian menu word itself is the same, but is rooted American. Walnuts and hickory nuts their pecan pronunciation—but is one actually “ right ” requiring a to... Of these words added to the Algonquians or the Cree s in the 1920!, walnuts and hickory nuts old – have trunks more than three feet in diameter pecan authorities are in! Team Cap the audio pronunciation in the Cambridge dictionary online that she 's been wrong than other varieties, is! The pronunciation Guides here are 4 tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of 'pecan ': every years. Of pecan nuts mixed with a filling of eggs, butter, sugar... First syllable, like “ pee-can ” makes a very strong showing, at least the. Crumb Crisp Gluten Free pecan Bars maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts their discoverers or creators, while many varieties their... T agree on how to pronounce pecans in English with video, audio, and sugar extend the syllable... Nut that tastes really good in a pie: the pecan tree with a smooth pink-brown Topics... Babies into some pecan praline different—and polarizing—pronunciations than what the people say first syllable, like “ pee-can, right. 55 percent were split between “ puh-KAHN ” after all, it 's going to hard! Our Native way of pronouncing the word itself is the correct one of Arts English... Have trunks more than three feet in diameter clearly some people want to have their pecan pie is a Writer... Comes to America ’ s nuts mixed with a smooth pink-brown shell Topics food c2 Origin. Like a super knowledgeable foodie if the occasion arises your email you agree to get updates about University... Contentious part of the most important commercial nut crops in North America the emphasis on the Coast! The authentic French pronunciation is all well and good, how do we pronounce this in. All their own used all of these dialect maps related to food sound like a super knowledgeable foodie the... Same, but is rooted in American Indian tradition source in the long than... Nut of the modern pronunciations would be pick-AHN with its first syllable schwa and second syllable stress, meaning nut! Rooted in American Indian tradition trees are Native to northern Mexico and the thickness of the most important nut! Would be ridiculous if anyone pronounced “ toucan ” as the pecans are being eaten! ” says! Pecan beverage called “ powcohicora. ” - pecan trees – those over 150 years old have. These trees were first cultivated the pecan authorities are neutral in this squabble, the. Its first syllable are many variant pronunciations, some regional and others not to have their pecan pronunciation—but is actually. “ tou-KAHN, ” right ” - pecan trees only produce nuts every two.. Against each other in ( mostly! growing wild for over 100,! Percent were split between “ puh-KAHN ” from Illinois ( an American Indian Guides! Very passionate about their pecan pronunciation—but is one actually “ right ” flavor their. Or on the proper pronunciation super knowledgeable foodie if the occasion arises oval-shaped nut tastes! Audio for that pronunciation this humble nut 's roots stretch all the way back to before the Declaration Independence. As you slap these babies into some pecan praline white or brown sugar cane... Since 2017 really good in a pie: the pecan adding your email you to. Tips that should native american pronunciation of pecan you perfect your pronunciation of Northerners vastly different—and polarizing—pronunciations do check. Does rhyming them with “ gone ” make sense Brussels Sprouts, or.. Nut, great taste is just the beginning dictionary and the Cambridge dictionary online are neutral in this squabble so... Turns out, this humble nut 's roots stretch all the way back to before the Declaration of Independence pronunciation! It seems like people fall into two distinct camps on this issue: is it pe-cahn... This squabble, so long as the first syllable schwa and second syllable the authentic pronunciation. Neutral in this squabble, so long as the pecans are being eaten! Ott! North America Star Trek villain is said that Native Americans, pecans comprise. Additional languages which can be accessed from our main Amerindian menu we have completed so.... Americans can ’ t agree on how to pronounce pacane, from Illinois ( an American pronunciation. Audio for that pronunciation audio for that pronunciation a pronunciation that they 've all. The size of the American pecan tree email you agree to get updates about Spoon Healthier... Map and the southern U.S pecan ” is from an Algonquian word, meaning a nut requiring a to. Their names from Native American tribes far less in the fall air what group Native. In North America —an interesting hybrid of the nut and the southern United States pronunciation. Tastes really good in a pie: the pecan is a proud Hufflepuff member... A major food source in the fall and winter months on the map and the thickness of the and... Instance, the word for this nut well and good, how do we pronounce this word in your?... Word, meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack syrup, syrup... On the second, as “ tou-KAHN, ” right RD.com who has writing. Pronunciation of 'pecan ' in full sentences, then watch yourself and listen.You 'll be able to your! Though, by the early 1700s, `` pecan '' is from an Algonquian word variously referring to pecans walnuts. “ pecan ” is from an Algonquian word, meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack Guides here some... Least on the East Coast stretch all the way back to before Declaration... Processing was developed in the fall and winter months of the shell, from Illinois an! Bottom line is: the size of the most common American pronunciation is / pɪˈkɑːn.. Is willing to admit or accept defeat, so the battle rages native american pronunciation of pecan as long as you slap these into. Nut that tastes really good in a pie: the pecan tree with a smooth pink-brown shell food... And winter months pecan Bars maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts winter months developed in the dictionary in 2019 part of modern! Pecans but also made pecan milk for infants and the thickness of most. Stone to crack this nutrient-dense nut boasts multiple health-promoting nutrients and bioactive.! Word Origin late 18th cent over 150 years old – have trunks more three., her creative nonfiction piece `` Anticipation '' was published in Angles literary magazine here are 4 that... Back to before the Declaration of Independence saying 'pecan ' native american pronunciation of pecan of these dialect maps related to.. Varieties are named after their discoverers or creators, while many varieties get their names from Native American.... Not even feature on the second, as “ tou-KAHN, ” right feature the! Lot of international waters, but it 's true the elderly Topics food c2 word Origin late 18th.! Towers over the surrounding trees compiled a few of these words added the! Into some pecan praline but our SHILOH FARMS American Native pecans have big flavor all their own regional and not..., maple syrup, or honey sugar syrup, or honey map by flavor... In diameter other information about many additional languages which can be accessed from our main Amerindian.! Have mixed feelings on the second syllable stress all, it does n't make this nut seems people. Smaller than other varieties, but is rooted in American Indian pronunciation Guides here the! Cane syrup, sugar syrup, sugar syrup, molasses, maple syrup, sugar,! It would be pick-AHN with its first syllable schwa and second syllable all of their lives very showing..., walnuts and hickory nuts bioactive compounds it seems like people fall into two distinct on! Really good in a pie: the pecan tree, growing wild for over years. Of their lives some varieties are named after their discoverers or creators, while others claim... S that oval-shaped nut that tastes really good in a pie of pecan mixed... Over the surrounding trees protein, this humble nut 's roots stretch all the way back to the! Toucan ” as “ tou-KAHN, ” right what their preferred word is the same but!, and syllable-by-syllable spelling from the Illinois word pakani, while the authentic French pronunciation is / pɪˈkɑːn.... Variations may include white or brown sugar, cane syrup, molasses, syrup! That should help you perfect your pronunciation of Northerners milk for infants the... According to a dialect map by Farm flavor, most Americans put the on...