Travel Blog

If you ask someone if they would like to go to Timbuktu they will probably have heard of it although there are still some who think this is a made-up name. Some of the sayings we associate with it suggest that either this place doesn’t exist at all or else it is a long way away. “From here to Timbuktu and back” is an example. I guess it is a bit like the town of Tuktoyaktuk – seen as being out in the middle of nowhere.

While we know Timbuktu is a real place you might not be so sure of these place names and you would be forgiven for thinking that I was pulling your leg if I suggested a vacation in Titty Hill England. You would probably like it there as it is beautiful countryside in the south of England with great walking paths. I have no idea how it came to be called Titty Hill and Wiki yielded no results. If you find out, let me know!

The English seem to have a fondness for rude-sounding names. How on earth did this road in Doncaster get its name?

Can you imagine giving that out as your address? I don’t think anyone would believe you. In fact that was the big problem and taxi drivers thought they were being fooled around with when someone asked to be dropped off at that address.

Sadly, the residents of this Doncaster street were lacking in the funny bone department, and the name was changed to something altogether more respectable (and dull) . In fairness though, it seems like they did have a bit of a tough time – after an article spread online, literal busloads of tourists would pitch up to take photos, often with mooning involved.

It’s not just the UK however that has these dubious names. There is a town in Pennsylvania called Intercourse. I know, I know. Isn’t that slap bang in the middle of Amish country? Still, it could be worse. There is a town close by called Blue Ball. I say no more.

Another unusual name in the States is in Virginia – it’s called Bumpass. Nothing to do with bumping someone’s ass but is named after Mr. Bumpass who founded the town. Don’t you think he would have changed his name?

On your next trip to South Africa (well you are working on your 100 countries target??) make sure you visit this place

You will find this in the middle of the Karoo – the desert region of South Africa. What does the name mean? Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein translates directly to “Two Buffalos Shot ‘Totally’ Dead with One Shot Fountain”. Whoever named that place must have been a good shot.

Even in Canada we have these weird names that pop up – like the town called Forget in Saskatchewan. But nobody can beat the Newfies with town names like Come By Chance, Blow Me Down and Nameless Cove. But there is one that takes the cake – beats all others hands down.

What’s the funniest name you have come across in your travels?