A lisp is something that is usually only found in kids before the age of five. It is a speaking disability that makes an S or a soft C sound like a “th” or a “sh.” I happen to have a lisp and would like to show the top 10 hardest words to say when having one.

There are some criteria. If you were hoping to see “Sally sells sea shells on the sea shore” or something of that nature, you will not find it. The list is based on ten somewhat common words in the English dictionary.

Number 10: Assassin. This word is difficult to say because of the amount of S’s and the prominence of them within the word. 4/9 of the letters are “s” and that is just overly difficult to say when you have a lisp. 3/10 difficulty factor.

Number 9: Sassy. Another problematic word as it is 60% the letter S. The letter starts to build up and because of the lisp my mouth gets spit riddled whenever I start to say it. 3.5/10 difficulty factor.

Number 8: Sauce. This one is a surprising one, I understand. With the combination of the S and soft C it is a very tough one to get across. I get caught up trying to say the right letters that most of the time it just sounds like gibberish. 4.5/10 difficulty factor.

Number 7: Senses. I personally don’t think this is a tough tough one. I struggle with it when I say it after a couple other words. Senseless or sense could have made sense here but senses is one that I have extreme trouble with mid-sentence. 4.5/10 difficulty factor

Number 6: Assists. Another weird word for some people to see. Yet again, this is one where the amount of S’s in it just gives you a run for your money. It is a tough one to use in any circumstance and I try my best to stay away from it at all costs. 5.25/10 difficulty factor.

Number 5: Mississippi. This is one that could be argued to be higher up on the list. It can be, but because of the difficulty the next four words, Mississippi is placed here. It isn’t easy by any means, it just doesn’t hold up to the next four. 6.5/10 difficulty factor.

Number 4: Systematic. A shocker here at number four as it doesn’t have a multitude of S’s or soft C’s. That “S” as the third letter really sneaks up on you when you say it, causing mayhem and distress for the rest of the word. 7/10 difficulty factor.

Number 3: Suspension. I struggle with this word more than students struggle taking standardized tests. It is in no way, shape or form an easy or anywhere close to easy word to say. The amount of S’s and the repetitive nature of them leads to a mind-boggling word of nothing. 8.5/10 difficulty factor.

Number 2: Specificities. This word is immensely more difficult to pronounce than any of the previously mentioned words. The S’s and C’s that are used in this word makes it nearly impossible for those with a speech impediment to truly pronounce. 9.75/10 difficulty factor.

Number 1: Statistician. It gives me nightmares even pondering over this word. The close-quartered combat of the S and C in the middle of the word is detrimental to my mouth when I attempt to say it in any circumstance. I stay away from this word as much as a rabbit would stay away from a wolf. 10/10 difficulty factor.

Now I understand this is a lighthearted list and it is meant to have some fun, but that doesn’t mean lessons can’t be taken. If you know someone with a speech impediment, don’t ask them to keep repeating phrases or words for your amusement; it’s not funny, it is hurtful. As I was taught from a young age, if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.