Language-learning platform Babbel and the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters (BIVR) have released their annual list of the most mispronounced words and names of 2025. Compiled by subtitling experts who caption live TV and court proceedings, the list reflects headline-grabbing moments and viral trends from the past year.
England striker Michelle Agyemang topped the rankings after her breakout Euro 2025 campaign. Her surname, of Akan origin, is correctly pronounced “ah-jeh-maŋ”. Hollywood star Denzel Washington also featured after reminding viewers on The Jimmy Kimmel Show that his name is pronounced “Den-ZELLE”, not the more common “DEN-zul”.
Storm Éowyn, described by the Met Office as “probably the strongest” storm in a decade, caused confusion among forecasters and presenters, with its correct pronunciation “ay-OH-win” often mangled on air. Welsh place names also proved tricky, with Glyndŵr National Park, named after Owain Glyndŵr, frequently mispronounced as “glyn-DOOR”.
Fashion and food added to the list. Brazilian flip-flop brand Havaianas is correctly said “ah-vah-YAH-nas”, while the viral Dubai chocolate bar Can’t Get Knafeh of It, inspired by the dessert knafeh, is pronounced “cah-NEFF-eh”. The Louvre museum, subject of a daring October heist, is correctly pronounced “LOOV-ruh”.
Medical terms also featured, with Mounjaro, a weight-loss drug rolled out by the NHS in June, correctly pronounced “mown-JAHR-oh”. Pop culture entries included Pokémon dragon Rayquaza (“ray-KWAY-zuh”) and Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård (“skarz-GORD”).
Noël Wolf, linguistic and cultural 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. Approaching these unfamiliar words with curiosity and confidence makes a real difference.”
