Local Life and Lore in Portland

Master these quintessential key terms and pronunciations and blend right in

By Ryan Ritchie, FrontDoor.com | Published: 11/20/2008

The Willamette River passes through downtown Portland. Travel Portland.

Willamette (Wil-LAM-ette)
A river and an alternative weekly newspaper are two of the most popular things named after this Oregon toponym.

Oregon (Oree-gun or Or-gun, not Orah-Gone)
Portlanders pronounce their home state one of two ways. Just don't pronounce the second syllable as "gone" or that's what you'll be.

Eugene (eu-GENE, not EU-gene)
Located two hours south of Portland, the town of Eugene is where you'll find the University of Oregon and a sea of green paraphernalia sporting the school's mascot, the Oregon Duck. Many Portland residents did time at the U of O and wear that Duck pride on their sleeves.

Couch Street/Couch Park (Cooch)
A street and a park are named after early settler John Couch, a sea captain who once owned the land on which the city's Alphabet District sits. Say "Couch" like it's something you sit on, and locals won't know what you're talking about.

OMSI (Om-see, not O-M-S-I)
OMSI is Portland speak for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, home to the most technologically advanced planetarium in the Pacific Northwest. OMSI offers budding scientists five exhibit halls and eight science labs to enjoy while parents take in the scenic view of the Willamette River.

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