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Non-Road Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: cjk374 on August 17, 2014, 09:36:09 AM

Title: Strange place names
Post by: cjk374 on August 17, 2014, 09:36:09 AM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr/galleries/72157646416075461/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr/galleries/72157646416075461/)

I think we had a thread about this some time ago.  I was surprised by 1) how many are listed from England, and 2) a place I've been in Arkansas gets a nod here.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: oscar on August 17, 2014, 09:44:28 AM
I don't have time right now to look for the previous thread, but a search for "Asbestos" and "Swastika" (two Canadian places I've visited) should help track it down.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: cjk374 on August 17, 2014, 10:19:20 AM
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2951.0 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2951.0)

Thank you Oscar.  Asbestos helped.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: billtm on August 17, 2014, 10:48:17 AM
Dildo, Newfoundland, Canada. :-D
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: golden eagle on August 17, 2014, 10:50:40 AM
There's also a Santa Claus in Indiana.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: hotdogPi on August 17, 2014, 11:25:22 AM
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Maybe we should keep the list going in the other thread instead, though.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: hbelkins on August 17, 2014, 01:01:28 PM
Fucking, Austria.

And Greutli-Laager, Tenn. would have to be on this list.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on August 17, 2014, 01:12:28 PM
Shit, Iran.

And your guys will love this village (https://www.google.es/maps/@43.424109,-4.782338,3a,64.4y,283.95h,85.59t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1scht_cKFUiCJJDOvX8-jK6A!2e0) in Northern Spain :sombrero:.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: freebrickproductions on August 17, 2014, 01:21:44 PM
All Good, Alabama.
Flat Rock, Alabama.
Cotaco (pronounced ko-tay-ko), Alabama.
Oneonta, Alabama (I'll let y'all figure it out).
Opelika, Alabama.
New Hope, Alabama.
And that's just a few of the odder names in Alabama.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Big John on August 17, 2014, 03:36:25 PM
Close to me is a town of Little Hope, WI.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: wxfree on August 18, 2014, 06:14:18 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 17, 2014, 01:01:28 PM
Fucking, Austria.

I read that they changed the spelling on the signs to a more traditional form due to sign theft.  I thought they should have left it and put up new signs saying: "Please don't steal the Fucking signs."
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: yanksfan6129 on August 18, 2014, 06:45:29 PM
Batman, Turkey
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: cl94 on August 18, 2014, 09:24:32 PM
Half of the towns in New Jersey...

Intercourse, PA
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: roadman65 on August 19, 2014, 02:22:16 AM
Reddick, FL
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: The Nature Boy on August 19, 2014, 09:13:12 AM
Hell, Michigan and Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina were always favorites of mine.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Brandon on August 19, 2014, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 19, 2014, 09:13:12 AM
Hell, Michigan and Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina were always favorites of mine.

Just remember, Hell is close to the UofM, and Paradise is in the UP.  :bigass:
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: formulanone on August 26, 2014, 10:59:24 AM
Lake Barackzebub and Lake of the Financial Crisis? The fishing in Artisan Lakes must be stocked with despair...

Marge Lake and Alfalfa Lake do look a bit like their namesakes, and Isosceles Lake is what it is.

https://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=27.607458,-82.512689&spn=0.011922,0.01929&sll=27.499897,-82.528782&sspn=0.047735,0.077162&t=h&z=16
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: kurumi on August 26, 2014, 11:33:06 AM
Netcong, New Jersey sounds like it was named around 1968 -- but the name arises from nearby Lake Musconetcong.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: formulanone on August 26, 2014, 11:39:00 AM
Quote from: kurumi on August 26, 2014, 11:33:06 AM
Netcong, New Jersey sounds like it was named around 1968 -- but the name arises from nearby Lake Musconetcong.

I always thought it sounded like one of those start-up ISPs that quietly disappeared around 1996 or so.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on August 26, 2014, 11:55:10 AM
Now that it is in the news, somewhere in Africa is the Ebola river :evilgrin:

The river was before, though, and named the disease.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: wxfree on July 23, 2018, 11:38:42 PM
Woman Hollering Creek

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.4935999,-98.2074744,3a,75y,285.6h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6mNogH-PsKQ8cwgkXmTUEg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.4935999,-98.2074744,3a,75y,285.6h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6mNogH-PsKQ8cwgkXmTUEg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en)

It's a poor translation of "llorona," which means crying woman, or weeping, or maybe wailing.  "Hollering" probably isn't the best translation.  I have no idea why the word order is reversed.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 23, 2018, 11:55:12 PM
Why, Nothing, Total Wreck, Vulture City, and Big Bug in Arizona.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: jakeroot on July 24, 2018, 02:04:06 AM
Not at all to the level of some of the cities above, but Federal Way, WA always struck me as odd. The city is named after the US-99, which once bisected it (now just WA-99). Federal Highway US-99.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: allniter89 on July 24, 2018, 02:35:05 AM
Bug Tussle AL, Little Heaven, DE, Sylacauga, AL, Gomer Pyle was born here.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Scott5114 on July 24, 2018, 03:27:45 AM
There's a Bugtussle, Oklahoma, too. 1970s Speaker of the House Carl Albert was from there.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: abefroman329 on July 24, 2018, 05:53:49 AM
Cumming, GA, home of both the Cumming Clean Car Wash and a pizzeria with the slogan "I'm what you crave right in the middle of Cumming"
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: US71 on July 24, 2018, 07:23:18 AM
Hogeye, Arkansas
Blueball, Arkansas
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: hbelkins on July 24, 2018, 10:22:54 AM
Two places near Chattanooga in Tennessee -- Soddy-Daisy and Gruetli-Laager. (I may have misspelled that last one.)
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: webny99 on July 24, 2018, 10:29:25 AM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 17, 2014, 01:21:44 PM
Oneonta, Alabama (I'll let y'all figure it out).

NY has one of those, too. (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.455727,-75.0721102,13.63z)
I've always said 'Own-ee-ownta", but take that with a grain of salt, since I've been known to mispronounce words I've primarily only seen on paper. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21374.0)

Skaneateles is another one... I always said 'Skan-aye-tells', but found out recently that it is actually 'Skayn-ee-ah-tell-ees'. My way was a lot simpler!
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: inkyatari on July 24, 2018, 11:48:32 AM
From Illinois

Gays
Oblong
Sandwich
Ransom
Normal
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Flint1979 on July 24, 2018, 12:02:19 PM
In Michigan we have

Climax
Hell
Bad Axe
Jugville
Slapneck
Colon
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: inkyatari on July 24, 2018, 02:51:00 PM
Kentucky has Big Bone Lick State Park, and Wisconsin has Bong Recreation Area
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: GaryV on July 24, 2018, 04:42:03 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on July 24, 2018, 02:04:06 AM
Not at all to the level of some of the cities above, but Federal Way, WA always struck me as odd. The city is named after the US-99, which once bisected it (now just WA-99). Federal Highway US-99.

Founded by Carl's ancestors?   :poke:
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on July 24, 2018, 05:12:26 PM
Port Circumcision, on Petermann Island off the Antarctic Peninsula. In its defense it was discovered a New Years' Day of 1909, hence its name.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: SCtoKC on July 24, 2018, 06:44:55 PM
Missouri:

Peculiar
Tightwad
Knob Noster
Braggadocio
Cooter
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: freebrickproductions on July 24, 2018, 06:59:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2018, 10:29:25 AM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 17, 2014, 01:21:44 PM
Oneonta, Alabama (I'll let y'all figure it out).

NY has one of those, too. (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.455727,-75.0721102,13.63z)
I've always said 'Own-ee-ownta", but take that with a grain of salt, since I've been known to mispronounce words I've primarily only seen on paper. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21374.0)
It's pronounced "On-ee-on-tuh" down here.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: vdeane on July 24, 2018, 08:12:29 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on July 24, 2018, 06:59:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2018, 10:29:25 AM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 17, 2014, 01:21:44 PM
Oneonta, Alabama (I'll let y'all figure it out).

NY has one of those, too. (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.455727,-75.0721102,13.63z)
I've always said 'Own-ee-ownta", but take that with a grain of salt, since I've been known to mispronounce words I've primarily only seen on paper. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21374.0)
It's pronounced "On-ee-on-tuh" down here.
Same here, actually.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: KeithE4Phx on July 24, 2018, 09:36:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 23, 2018, 11:55:12 PM
Why, Nothing, Total Wreck, Vulture City, and Big Bug in Arizona.

Other than a very large cell tower, its solar cell panels, and the original sign along the northbound lanes of US 93, there has been nothing in Nothing for several years.  The restaurant and the family that owned it are long gone.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: KeithE4Phx on July 24, 2018, 09:43:04 PM
Quote from: golden eagle on August 17, 2014, 10:50:40 AM
There's also a Santa Claus in Indiana.

Also a Gnaw Bone, Indiana.  Just west of Columbus.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Rothman on July 24, 2018, 10:27:31 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 24, 2018, 08:12:29 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on July 24, 2018, 06:59:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2018, 10:29:25 AM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 17, 2014, 01:21:44 PM
Oneonta, Alabama (I'll let y'all figure it out).

NY has one of those, too. (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.455727,-75.0721102,13.63z)
I've always said 'Own-ee-ownta", but take that with a grain of salt, since I've been known to mispronounce words I've primarily only seen on paper. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21374.0)
It's pronounced "On-ee-on-tuh" down here.
Same here, actually.
I've heard NY's more like, "Own-ee-on-ta."
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: formulanone on July 25, 2018, 06:38:34 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on July 24, 2018, 11:48:32 AM
From Illinois...

Don't forget Bigneck, Illinois:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1835/42058192925_ecb8e92cbf_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/275xetk)
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: hotdogPi on July 25, 2018, 06:43:52 AM
Jersey Shore... in Pennsylvania, nowhere near the New Jersey border.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Rothman on July 25, 2018, 08:00:33 AM
Quote from: 1 on July 25, 2018, 06:43:52 AM
Jersey Shore... in Pennsylvania, nowhere near the New Jersey border.
Doesn't it refer to the Susquehanna in this case?

Looks like the "Jersey" came from transplants from New Jersey that didn't get along with others in the area.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: inkyatari on July 25, 2018, 08:45:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 23, 2018, 11:55:12 PM
Why, Nothing, Total Wreck, Vulture City, and Big Bug in Arizona.

Why is a fascinating "town." little more than a road junction that leads to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  Why is also home to (until Illinois legalized video poker machines at gas stations,) the smallest casino I had ever seen in my life.
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 25, 2018, 09:08:41 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on July 25, 2018, 08:45:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 23, 2018, 11:55:12 PM
Why, Nothing, Total Wreck, Vulture City, and Big Bug in Arizona.

Why is a fascinating "town." little more than a road junction that leads to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  Why is also home to (until Illinois legalized video poker machines at gas stations,) the smallest casino I had ever seen in my life.

Now Why has a large Border Patrol Station, so that's a thing I guess.  Supposedly when Why was originally known as "Y"  it was named after the Y-Junction in AZ 85/86.  The legislature changed state law requiring all communities to have a three letter designation hence the humorous "Why."    
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: inkyatari on July 25, 2018, 11:35:35 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 25, 2018, 09:08:41 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on July 25, 2018, 08:45:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 23, 2018, 11:55:12 PM
Why, Nothing, Total Wreck, Vulture City, and Big Bug in Arizona.

Why is a fascinating "town." little more than a road junction that leads to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  Why is also home to (until Illinois legalized video poker machines at gas stations,) the smallest casino I had ever seen in my life.

Now Why has a large Border Patrol Station, so that's a thing I guess.  Supposedly when Why was originally known as "Y"  it was named after the Y-Junction in AZ 85/86.  The legislature changed state law requiring all communities to have a three letter designation hence the humorous "Why."  

When I was through therein 2014, it seemed all the border patrol goons were hanging out in Ajo
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 25, 2018, 12:50:50 PM
Quote from: inkyatari on July 25, 2018, 11:35:35 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 25, 2018, 09:08:41 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on July 25, 2018, 08:45:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 23, 2018, 11:55:12 PM
Why, Nothing, Total Wreck, Vulture City, and Big Bug in Arizona.

Why is a fascinating "town." little more than a road junction that leads to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  Why is also home to (until Illinois legalized video poker machines at gas stations,) the smallest casino I had ever seen in my life.

Now Why has a large Border Patrol Station, so that's a thing I guess.  Supposedly when Why was originally known as "Y"  it was named after the Y-Junction in AZ 85/86.  The legislature changed state law requiring all communities to have a three letter designation hence the humorous "Why."  

When I was through therein 2014, it seemed all the border patrol goons were hanging out in Ajo

The new station was under construction a mile or so north of Why when I was living out there circa 2012-13.  I used to frequent Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the El Camino Del Diablo a lot, they definitely have a huge presence around the area. 
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: KEVIN_224 on July 25, 2018, 04:27:34 PM
Intercourse, PA and Sandwich, MA to name a few. Connecticut is home to Cockaponsett State Forest and Hamonassett Beach. I always call the last one Ham-on-ass-E.T. 😜
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: webny99 on July 25, 2018, 07:34:19 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 24, 2018, 08:12:29 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on July 24, 2018, 06:59:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2018, 10:29:25 AM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 17, 2014, 01:21:44 PM
Oneonta, Alabama (I'll let y'all figure it out).
NY has one of those, too. (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.455727,-75.0721102,13.63z)
I've always said 'Own-ee-ownta", but take that with a grain of salt, since I've been known to mispronounce words I've primarily only seen on paper. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21374.0)
It's pronounced "On-ee-on-tuh" down here.
Same here, actually.

Yeah, I just assumed "Own" instead of "On", but I have no idea what's technically correct and/or used by locals.

"Awn-ee-awn-ta" just sounds bad for some reason. Even when reading what I just typed there, I want to say "Own"!
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: freebrickproductions on July 26, 2018, 10:33:43 AM
Quote from: webny99 on July 25, 2018, 07:34:19 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 24, 2018, 08:12:29 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on July 24, 2018, 06:59:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2018, 10:29:25 AM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on August 17, 2014, 01:21:44 PM
Oneonta, Alabama (I'll let y'all figure it out).
NY has one of those, too. (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.455727,-75.0721102,13.63z)
I've always said 'Own-ee-ownta", but take that with a grain of salt, since I've been known to mispronounce words I've primarily only seen on paper. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21374.0)
It's pronounced "On-ee-on-tuh" down here.
Same here, actually.

Yeah, I just assumed "Own" instead of "On", but I have no idea what's technically correct and/or used by locals.

"Awn-ee-awn-ta" just sounds bad for some reason. Even when reading what I just typed there, I want to say "Own"!

Well boy, down he'ah in da South, da southern accent is what has us pronouncin' Oneonta da way we do. Fo' y'all New York'ahs though, it appears that y'all use an "Own" sound ta stahrt off with, rather than da "Awn" sound we use down he'ah:
(The proceeding sentence is preferably said with a rich southern accent. :awesomeface:)
Quote from: Rothman on July 24, 2018, 10:27:31 PM
I've heard NY's more like, "Own-ee-on-ta."
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 26, 2018, 10:55:05 AM
Two I forgot in Mohave County Arizona have wintery themed names; Santa Claus and Snowball. 
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: roadman65 on July 26, 2018, 07:25:21 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on July 25, 2018, 04:27:34 PM
Intercourse, PA and Sandwich, MA to name a few. Connecticut is home to Cockaponsett State Forest and Hamonassett Beach. I always call the last one Ham-on-ass-E.T. 😜
Top it off take a drive down the road from Intercourse and you arrive at Bird in Hand. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Strange place names
Post by: KEVIN_224 on July 28, 2018, 05:52:18 PM
I'm from Connecticut and have always pronounced it as OWN-e-ON-tah.