Late Night Host James Corden Finds 'Maryland' Tongue-Twister

LOS ANGELES, CA — British comedian and "Carpool Karaoke" sensation James Corden ran into a tongue-twister on his "Late Late Show" this week: How to pronounce Maryland. In reading a note from a CBS viewer, Corden called the state "Marry-land," a very properly British interpretation of the word.

When he asked band leader and sidekick Reggie Watts if that was correct, he was informed he was off. "Mare-i-lund," was Watts' take on it. To which Corden said, "Merlind," then "Marlund," and even, "Marlon."

"But it's spelled Maryland," said a slightly frustrated Corden before giving up.

When Corden's show posted the segment on his Facebook page, he received more helpful guidance, from Marylanders and others.

Fan Crissy Green said on Facebook, " I live in Maryland. Never questioned why we say it the way we do until i watched your show lol."

Given it's colonial roots, commenter Brigid Blakemore said the original pronunciation of Maryland "actually WAS Mary Land. Maryland was founded as a safe haven for persecuted Catholics. Mary is a very important and vital part of the Catholic faith, so when the colony was formed it was dedicated to Mary the Mother of God. At least that's what I've always been told."

Many hospitable Marylanders also invited Corden to come to the state to catch an Orioles game, down a Natty-Boh and sample seafood with Old Bay. Sounds perfect.

And one Facebook fan urged Corden to next tackle pronouncing Baltimore. Or Bawlmer. Or Baldamore. Good luck.

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