When it comes to funny town names, there are plenty of contenders that will leave you scratching your head and chuckling at the same time. While humor is subjective, one town that often comes up in conversations about funny names is Intercourse, Pennsylvania. you read that right – Intercourse! This small town located in the heart of Amish Country surely grabs attention with its provocative name.
Growing up in Pennsylvania, I remember passing by road signs for Intercourse and hearing the laughter and jokes that it sparked among my friends and family. It’s a name that is hard to forget and always brings a smile to people’s faces. But what’s the story behind this amusing name?
Well, Intercourse actually has a rather innocent origin. The town was established in 1754 and was originally called “Cross Keys” after a local tavern. However, in 1814, the name was changed to Intercourse to reflect the intersection of two major roads in the area. Back then, the word “intercourse” simply referred to the connection or interaction between people, and it wasn’t considered risqué or inappropriate.
Nevertheless, as language evolved and societal norms changed, the name took on a more humorous and suggestive connotation. Today, visitors flock to Intercourse to snap photos with the town’s quirky signs and indulge in some lighthearted humor. The locals have embraced the name and even use it to market their town as a tourist destination.
Intercourse is not the only town with a funny name, though. There are many other notable mentions that deserve a chuckle. For instance, there’s Embarrass, Minnesota, which may leave some residents feeling, well, embarrassed. And who could forget about Nameless, Tennessee, where the lack of creativity in naming the town is ironically entertaining?
Duckwater, Nevada is another peculiar name that makes you wonder about the story behind it. Did ducks and water somehow play a significant role in the town’s history? Or was it a whimsical choice made by the early settlers?
Accident, Maryland is yet another town name that raises eyebrows. It’s hard not to imagine a series of unfortunate events that led to such a name. Perhaps the town founders were just trying to make light of a mishap that occurred in the area.
Humptulips, Washington is a name that certainly stands out. The origin of this odd-sounding name is unclear, but it’s hard not to let your imagination run wild with possibilities. Maybe it was named after a unique local plant or animal species?
Hot Coffee, Mississippi is an amusing name that might make you crave a cup of joe. I can only imagine the humorous conversations that arise when someone mentions they are from Hot Coffee. It’s definitely a conversation starter!
Deadhorse, Alaska is not a town that you would expect to have a thriving population. The name itself brings to mind a deserted and desolate place. However, Deadhorse is actually an important industrial hub, serving as a base for the nearby Prudhoe Bay oil fields. The town’s name is derived from the carcasses of horses that were left behind by early explorers.
Lastly, we have Zzyzx, California, which is not only a funny name but also holds the distinction of being the last word in the English language. This peculiar name was chosen by a radio evangelist named Curtis Howe Springer, who founded a spa and health resort in the area in the 1940s. Springer wanted a name that would stand out and be the last word in the dictionary, hence Zzyzx was born.
These are just a few examples of the many weird and wonderful town names scattered across the United States. Each one has its own unique story and adds a touch of whimsy to the map. Whether intentional or unintentional, these funny town names never fail to bring a smile to our faces and remind us that humor can be found in the most unexpected places.