Arizona is riddled with strange and unique city names. The pronunciation rules change depending on the word and its origin. After one or two missteps, even newcomers learn our local-speak and make the shift to the local way of saying these words.

Here are some of the obvious names, where the spelling and the pronunciation seem to be at odds with each other:

• Tucson
• Phoenix
• Huachuca City
• Gila Bend

This is just a short list. Many of our place names have monikers loaned from our Native tribes here in the Grand Canyon States. For example, Chiricahua, Mogollon, Ahwatukee to name a few. We pride ourselves in knowing how to say these words correctly.

But there's one city we've all driven past on Interstate 10, and to this day, the pronunciation seems to be hotly debated. And for some reason, it changes depending on who you ask.

¿Se Habla Español?

As a border state, Arizonans throw around Spanish terms in normal conversation and we don't think anything of it. There's the true Spanish pronunciation, and the slightly more relaxed Americanized way of saying these words.

We throw around words like taco, arroyo, and burro as easily as we'd use the words sandwich, wash or donkey in our blended language. This is a sort of Spanish-esque way of speaking here in Arizona and we mostly agree on how to say these words.

Welcome to Casa Grande. Or is it Caza Grand?

So why can't we come to a consensus on how to pronounce this city name? I've even met people who live in this town, and they can't agree on how the words are said. Even members of the Casa Grande's city government and their citizens say it differently, depending on who you ask.

So, should we say "Kah-sa Grahn-day" or "Ka-sah Grand"? Here's what some of the citizens say.

Video Credit: KGUN 9 via YouTube

Have a Pint, Say It However

According to this video, it seems you can decide for yourself. The locals don't agree, but they're not upset, no matter how you choose to pronounce their name!