Polling shows that Gov. Roy Cooper is the most recognizable name in North Carolina politics. But his name might not be as recognizable — if you heard it pronounced correctly.
Turns out many of us have been mispronouncing Cooper’s name his entire time in office.
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Most people say “Cooh-per,” emphasizing the “ooh.” But it’s actually more like “Kuə-per.” That upside-down “e” is the schwa symbol. Making the sound is harder than one might think. But think of how the “oo” sounds in “foot” and you’ll get the idea.
Cooper broke it down for reporters during a press conference last week after WRAL asked about it. The question arose after a lawyer for Cooper — during a hearing in a case against the legislature — pronounced it in what turns out to have been the correct way.
“Put the ‘uh’ sound in between the ‘c’ and the ‘p’,” Cooper instructed patiently. “We’re hooked on phonics today.”
It's an Eastern North Carolina pronunciation; Cooper is from Nash County. Throughout his youth, it’s how he pronounced his name, and how people around him said it.
And now? Only a very small percentage of people say it the right way, Cooper said. “Most people say ‘Cooh-per,’ and when I went to college and would say my name, people struggled to know what it was,” he said. “I don’t have that problem anymore. But most people say ‘Cooh-per,’ and I’m fine with that.”
As this reporter struggled to pronounce it, Cooper offered some coaching. “Just say ‘foot,’” he said. “I’m going to work with you here.”
After another failed attempt, Cooper stepped in again, with a chuckle: “That’s not the way to pronounce it either, but I appreciate the effort.”