It is unlawful to mispronounce the name of Joliet.

The Law

The city of Joliet once took its name so seriously that a local ordinance was drafted to punish those who pronounced it 'Jolly-ette' instead of 'Joe-lee-ette.' This likely stemmed from civic pride and a desire to distance the town from French linguistic roots in favor of Midwestern stoicism. While heavily unenforced today, it remains a legendary piece of local lore.