A husband and wife were driving through Louisiana.
As they approached Natchitoches, they started arguing about the pronunciation of the town.
They argued back and forth, then they stopped for lunch.
At the counter, the husband asked the blonde waitress,
“Before we order, could you please settle an argument for us? Would you please pronounce where we are very slowly?”
She leaned over the counter and said,
“Burrr-gerrr Kiiing.”
A husband and wife were on a road trip through Louisiana, enjoying the scenic drive and each other’s company—or so it seemed at first. As they approached the town of Natchitoches, a disagreement broke out. The couple began arguing about the correct pronunciation of the town’s name, each adamantly convinced they were right. Their friendly banter soon escalated into a more heated debate, neither willing to back down or admit defeat.
The argument persisted as they drove closer to the town. Determined to settle the matter, they decided to stop for lunch at a fast-food restaurant along the way. The hope was that a local could finally clarify the correct pronunciation and put an end to their squabble.
Once inside the restaurant, the couple approached the counter, where a friendly blonde waitress greeted them. The husband saw an opportunity to settle the debate once and for all. Before placing their order, he politely asked the waitress to assist them.
“Excuse me,” the husband began, “Before we order, could you help us settle an argument? We’ve been debating about how to pronounce the name of this place. Could you please say it very slowly so that we can be sure?”
The waitress leaned in with a serious expression, eager to assist. She nodded, took a deep breath, and carefully enunciated, “Burrr-gerrr Kiiing.”
The husband and wife froze for a moment, stunned by the unexpected response. Their argument about the town’s pronunciation was rendered completely irrelevant by the waitress’s misunderstanding. The humor of the situation quickly sunk in, and laughter replaced the tension that had been building during their journey.
The exchange at the counter turned out to be the perfect icebreaker for the couple, who now found themselves chuckling over the waitress’s unintended punchline. They realized how trivial their earlier argument had been and how a little humor could completely change the mood.
As they sat down to enjoy their lunch, they both agreed that the day’s highlight wasn’t solving the pronunciation mystery but rather the unexpected comic relief provided by the waitress. Their road trip continued with lighter spirits, and they decided to let go of their argument, leaving the mystery of Natchitoches’s pronunciation unsolved for the time being.
The story serves as a reminder of how small, humorous moments can diffuse tension and bring people closer together. It also underscores the idea that not every debate needs a resolution—sometimes laughter is the best answer. The couple drove away from the restaurant, grateful for the amusing encounter and ready to enjoy the rest of their journey, this time with less bickering and more smiles.