Avoid awkward moments

Most people mispronounce these 12 foreign words. How about you?

English speakers borrow many words from other languages and pronounce them as best they can. Sometimes, those pronunciations are correct, but that’s not always the case. The following 12 examples are foreign words that we use daily but often mispronounce.

Those slices of toasted Italian bread drenched in olive oil, with garlic and tomatoes on top, are a common sight in restaurants around the world, but most of us can’t seem to pronounce their name correctly and say "bru-shetta" instead.

In its native Italian, the "ch" is always pronounced like a K. So it’s "bru-SKET-ta."

This French word is often used in the fashion world, but since there is no "tch" sound in the French language—except in foreign words and names—it is pronounced like "sh." So the correct pronunciation is "sheek."

A popular ingredient among people seeking a healthier diet, quinoa originated in South America and is often pronounced "kee-no-ah," when the correct pronunciation is "keen-wah."

As you can see, the world of food offers plenty of opportunities for mispronouncing words, and this one comes courtesy of Italy. The exact origin of the word gnocchi is unknown, but many believe it derives from the Italian word nocchio, meaning "a knot in wood." If you want to get the pronunciation of this foreign food correctly, you should say "nyoh-kee."

A fun word to pronounce, indeed! These hot chili peppers come from Mexico. And, as the "j" sound in Spanish is pronounced like a strong "h" in English, you don’t say jall-ap-ee-no. Instead, it’s "halla-pen-yo."

The name of this tasty French salad has the letter c with the hook ç, which is called c-cedilla, which is pronounced like an "s." The proper pronunciation for this dish is "nee-swahz."

The second South American food product on our list, the superfood known as açaí, is a type of berry found in rainforests. Its pronunciation can be tricky for native English speakers, partly because of the unfamiliar Latin letters. If you want to get it right, it’s "ah-sigh-ee."

Chorizo is a spicy pork sausage often used in Spanish and South American cuisine. The correct pronunciation for this exotic word is "choh-ree-soh."

This household expression, often directed at someone about to enjoy a particularly tasty meal, is frequently mispronounced. Many English speakers pronounce the "t" at the end of this expression when it is, in fact, silent: bon-appétit is pronounced "bon-apetee."

This French word, used to describe someone who is an expert in a particular subject, is often mispronounced as "con-nah-sewer," but that’s not correct. The proper pronunciation is "con-ah-sir."

This architectural and aesthetic style from the early 20th century has a French name, often mispronounced as "no vew." But the most accurate pronunciation is "new-voh."

The last word on our list is also a French one, used to describe a special occupation. Many English speakers mispronounce it to sound like "nitch," but the correct pronunciation is closer to "neesh."

The 12 longest-living animals on Earth (and how they cheat time)

Nature doesn’t just create beauty, it crafts survival miracles. While most animals have short lives, a rare few have mastered the art of staying alive for centuries, even millennia. These aren’t just long-lived creatures; they’re nature’s ultimate time travelers. From the frozen depths of the oceans to the darkest corners underground, they’ve developed bizarre, brilliant strategies to cheat death. Get ready to meet 12 animals whose lifespans will absolutely blow your mind.

Record age: up to 15,000 years

This unassuming sea sponge thrives in the freezing waters of Antarctica, where temperatures hover around 28.6 °F—so cold that biological processes hit the brakes. In such icy conditions, metabolism slows to a crawl, allowing these sponges to live for thousands of years.

Some have reached impressive sizes of over 3 feet tall and have been around since mammoths were still thundering across the tundra. They don’t move, they don’t stress, and they barely change, just quietly existing while centuries pass them by. Their secret to extreme longevity? Glacial patience, deep-sea stillness, and a lifestyle that redefines "low-maintenance".

Age: technically… infinite

This tiny jellyfish, no bigger than a fingernail—less than 0.2 inches—is like the ocean’s very own Benjamin Button. What makes it truly extraordinary is its ability to rewind its life story, flipping back to a youthful, juvenile stage whenever it wants. While it’s not completely invincible (predators and other threats are still very real), if left undisturbed, it can keep hitting the reset button on aging indefinitely, making it one of the most fascinating "time-benders" in nature.

Record age: 507 years

In 2006, a special clam was discovered buried deep in the seabeds of the North Atlantic. Scientists were able to determine that it had been there since at least 1499—that’s centuries before the United States was even a thought! This ancient marvel, nicknamed "Ming", was able to perfect a slow-and-steady approach to life. Growing at a snail’s pace and barely budging, Ming’s sedentary lifestyle turned out to be a brilliant strategy for beating the clock. Who knew doing almost nothing could be the ultimate secret to longevity?

Record age: estimated 392 years

These sharks aren’t your average ocean cruisers—they can stretch over 20 feet long and weigh up to 2,200 pounds. But what’s really mindblowing is how slowly they move, like they’re in a permanent state of deep relaxation. Living in the icy Arctic waters, these giants don’t hit adulthood until they’re about 150 years old, and some can glide through the depths for nearly 400 years. Imagine that! These ancient swimmers were already around before America declared independence... and they are still out there, silently roaming the seas!

Record age: over 211 years

This whale is a true ocean giant, stretching up to 60 feet long and weighing a staggering 200,000 pounds. But what makes it stand out isn’t just its size but its age. Some of these majestic creatures carry harpoons from the 1800s still lodged in their skin, like walking history books. Just picture living so long that you’re literally carrying outdated technology embedded in your body—talk about being a time traveler of the seas!

Record age: 200 years

Spanning the chilly Pacific coastline from California all the way up to Alaska, this spiky little ball—about 7 inches across—is full of surprises. It munches on algae and calls the deep, dark ocean its home, thriving at depths of up to 300 feet. Don’t let its size fool you: this prickly creature is a true elder of the cold seas, quietly outliving many ocean neighbors while keeping a low profile. A tough, slow-living veteran wrapped in spikes!

Record age: 226 years

Meet Hanako, a legendary Japanese koi who swam through life for an astonishing 226 years. Scientists discovered how old she was by studying the rings on her scales, much like counting the growth rings of a tree. These colorful, ornamental fish aren’t just symbols of good fortune; they’re also secret long-lifers with the potential to celebrate over two centuries of birthdays, as long as they get the right care and a peaceful pond to call home.

Record age: 190 years

Jonathan is a male tortoise living on the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. He was born back in 1832, and he’s still happily chomping lettuce and soaking up the sun today. Weighing in at more than 400 pounds and measuring around 3 feet long, Jonathan holds the title of the oldest known living land animal on the planet. If he could share tales, they’d span nearly two centuries of history. Imagine that!

Record age: 152 years

This ancient-looking fish, with its whisker-like barbels, looking like a tiny underwater submarine, prowls the lakes of North America. It can reach an impressive length of up to 7 feet and weigh around 200 pounds. These slow-living creatures don’t rush into adulthood—they start breeding only around age 20—and then take their time cruising through life at a leisurely pace. Believe it or not, one legendary catch in Wisconsin was estimated to be over 150 years old!

Record age: over 90 years

This chunky, night-loving parrot from New Zealand is a true oddball—it can’t fly, snores like a grumpy grandpa, and smells like fresh flowers. Despite its quirks, this bird boasts an impressively long lifespan. Sadly, it teeters on the edge of extinction. The oldest known kakapo, affectionately named Richard Henry, lived 90 years, earning him the title of the charmingly eccentric elder statesman of the avian world.

Record age: 37 years

This tiny, kooky rodent—barely 3 inches long and just over an ounce in weight—could’ve been cast straight from a sci-fi apocalypse flick. Dwelling in vast underground colonies across Africa, it’s practically invincible to cancer, pain, and the usual effects of aging. Scientists are fascinated by this little marvel, even if it’s not winning beauty contests anytime soon. Its superpowers make it a star in longevity research!

Record age: estimated 100+ years

Lobsters have a totally different rulebook than us when it comes to aging. They don’t really grow old; they just keep getting bigger and bigger. Some giant lobsters weigh over 40 pounds and stretch beyond 3 feet long. Their biggest threats? Not old age, but predators or the risky process of shedding their shells. In theory, they could live forever if left alone—but let’s be honest, not many get to enjoy a peaceful, lobster-sized retirement!