Buzz
To ensure a smooth and peaceful family gathering while avoiding heated debates, it’s recommended not to discuss politics or religion. But here's a lighter conversation starter to share before things get tense: How should we correctly pronounce the word 'pecan'?
As Alex Ott, Executive Director of the American Pecan Council, shares, the 'puh-CON' vs. 'PEA-can' debate is one that’s safe to bring up around loved ones. 'Even in the 15 states where pecans are grown, from California to the Carolinas, the growers and shellers themselves pronounce it differently. But no matter how you say it, we can all agree that pecans belong on every Thanksgiving table.'
Let's explore the history of the word 'pecan' and take a closer look at the most widely used pronunciations.
Etymology
The term 'pecan' originates from the Indigenous Algonquin word 'pakani,' which eventually transformed into 'pacane.' It was first recorded in 1761 to refer to the tree that produces the edible nut. Due to the variety of dialects, there are several ways that people across the U.S. pronounce 'pecan,' including 'puh-CON,' 'PEA-can,' and other variations.
Common Pronunciations
There are many different pronunciations of 'pecan,' but some variations are more widely used than others. Below are the most common ways people say it:
- pee-KAHN: This seems to be the most widespread pronunciation of 'pecan' across the country.
- puh-CON (or puh-KAHN): A regional variation commonly heard in the southern U.S., including states like Alabama and the Carolinas.
- PEA-can (or PEE-can): This version is typically used in New England and along the eastern U.S. coastline.
- PEE-kahn: The preferred pronunciation in the Midwest, including areas like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.
- pick-AHN: A mix of other pronunciations, this one is often heard in the southern U.S., especially in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
- PIC-ann: Although not widely adopted, this pronunciation exists as a hybrid form.
What the Public Says
There are strong opinions surrounding the correct pronunciation of 'pecan.' Some argue it's a matter of regional differences, with a divide between U.S. southerners and northerners.
The general consensus is that people in the north typically say 'PEA-can,' whereas in the south, 'puh-CON' is more commonly used.
However, national surveys reveal the following preferred pronunciations:
- The National Pecan Shellers Association found that 45% of pecan consumers across the U.S. preferred the 'PEA-can' pronunciation.
- 55% of survey respondents were divided between 'pa-KAWN' and 'PEE-kawn.'
- 66% of voters in a 2020 American Pecan Council (APC) survey favored 'puh-CON.'
- 34% of APC survey participants preferred 'PEA-can' as the top pronunciation for pecan.
What Experts Say
We reached out directly to experts in the 'pecan belt' states to get their take on the pronunciation debate. The conclusion? It's a matter of agreeing to disagree.
1. Honoring Family Traditions
One pecan farmer shares how their family has been taught to pronounce 'pecan,' and how this tradition has been passed down through five generations and continues to this day.
Angie Ellis, Pecan Grower in Vienna, Georgia
"Since many of our ancestors worked in education, the tradition of how we pronounce 'pecan' has been passed down through the generations: 'Puh-CONS are a gift from above, while a PEA-can is a porcelain pot you place under the bed.' Our fifth generation is now learning the same way we were taught. However, we sometimes adapt by saying we grow PEA-cans but sell puh-CONS."
2. Letting Cost Decide
A professor shares a humorous take on how to decide the correct pronunciation of 'pecan,' as told by a fellow pecan grower.
Lenny Wells, Professor of Horticulture and Extension Horticulture Specialist for Pecans at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia
"The funniest answer I ever received on this matter came from another grower who said, 'When they bring $2 per pound or more, they're puh-CONS; when they bring $0.50 to $1, they're PEA-cans.'"
3. Comparing the Public vs. Growers
The debate over how to pronounce 'pecan' extends even into the farming community. A pecan grower shares a colleague's response to the question.
Larry Willson, Pecan Grower in Albany, Georgia
"I give two answers when asked how to pronounce 'pecan': one is lighthearted, and the other is more serious. The fun response is that we don't mind how you say it as long as you buy them! The serious answer comes from an experience I had about 40 years ago when I returned to my family's pecan business. At a Southeastern Pecan Growers meeting in Sandestin, Florida, during the cocktail party, I asked Felix Marbury, a prominent figure in the industry and a peer of my father's, how he pronounced 'pecan.' I still remember his words: 'Son, most folks say PEA-can, but us growers say puh-CON.'"
4. Observing the Indigenous Pronunciation
A southern pecan grower explains why they pronounce 'puh-CON,' paying homage to the original Indigenous pronunciation.
Kortney Chase, Pecan Grower and Sheller in San Saba, Texas
"In my world of pecans, everyone says 'puh-CON,' just as the Native Americans did. They were the first to give our beloved nut its name."
5. Avoiding Confusion
This might be an easy solution to resolve the debate and ensure that no one mistakenly confuses the pecan nut with a chamber pot.
Dan Zedan, Pecan Sheller in Wayne, Illinois
"It's puh-CON. A PEA-can was something my mother used to keep under her bed when she was a child before going to sleep."
6. Accepting Various Pronunciations
Does there really need to be a single 'correct' way to pronounce pecan? According to this farmer, it's perfectly fine to use either version.
John Heuler, Pecan Grower in Bowie, Arizona
"Where I grew up in the western U.S., we always said 'puh-CON,' but the friendly farmers from Georgia would pronounce it with a southern twang, 'PEA-can.' Regardless of how it's said, they are all great."
