Language-learning platform Babbel has partnered with the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters (BIVR) to unveil the most mispronounced words and names of 2025. The annual list, now in its tenth year, is compiled by subtitling experts who caption live television and court proceedings.
England striker Michelle Agyemang topped the rankings after her breakout Euro 2025 campaign, with many struggling with her surname, pronounced “ah-jeh-maŋ” in Akan. Hollywood legend Denzel Washington also featured after reminding viewers that he pronounces his name “Den-ZELLE”, not the more familiar “DEN-zul”.
Storm Éowyn, described by the Met Office as “probably the strongest” storm in a decade, confused forecasters with its correct pronunciation “ay-OH-win”. Welsh confusion arose over Glyndŵr National Park, named after Owain Glyndŵr and pronounced “glyn-DOOR”.
Fashion and food also made the list: Brazilian flip-flop brand Havaianas is said “ah-vah-YAH-nas”, while the viral Dubai chocolate bar Can’t Get Knafeh of It is pronounced “cah-NEFF-eh”. The Louvre museum, after a daring October heist, is correctly pronounced “LOOV-ruh”.
Medical term Mounjaro, which became a household word after its NHS rollout in June, is pronounced “mown-JAHR-oh”. Pop culture entries included Pokémon dragon Rayquaza (“ray-KWAY-zuh”) and Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård (“skarz-GORD”).
Noël Wolf, linguistic expert at Babbel, said: “2025 revealed names, brands and cultural touchpoints that have tested even the most confident speakers. Many come from languages beyond English, reflecting the ever-increasing international nature of the UK’s cultural landscape.”
