Italian-American Family Has Priceless Reaction to Son’s Mispronunciation of Beloved Cheese (Exclusive)

Italian-American family has humorous reaction to son’s mispronunciation of ricotta

An Italian-American family recently found themselves in the midst of a light-hearted debate during their 33rd annual summer vacation. The DiLaura family, known for their love of good food and rich Italian heritage, was gathered together for a cooking session when a simple mispronunciation sparked amusement and laughter.

Luke Merren, a 35-year-old member of the family, innocently mispronounced the name of the Italian cheese, ricotta, causing an eruption of animated reactions from his mother, aunt, and other relatives. The moment was captured on video by Luke’s wife, Ally Merren, who later shared the funny incident with PEOPLE.

Ally revealed that despite Luke marrying into her Italian family, it was actually she who married into his Italian-American family. This added a delightful twist to the scene, as the Merren family playfully corrected Luke’s pronunciation of ‘ri-KAH-ta’ to the more traditional ‘ree-GAH-ta,’ complete with the rolled ‘r’ and glottal ‘g’ sound.

The Merren family’s annual summer vacations are filled with laughter, bonding activities, and plenty of delicious homemade meals. Ally and Luke, along with their extended family, have explored various states across the country during their travels, creating cherished memories and strengthening their family ties.

While Ally’s family roots trace back to the Mayflower, Luke’s family proudly upholds their Italian heritage. With Grandma DiLaura hailing from Alfedena, Italy, and continuing to stay connected to her large family at 101 years old, the Merren family’s cultural richness is evident in their traditions and gatherings.

The mispronunciation of ricotta, though a simple moment, highlighted the warm dynamics within the DiLaura family. Their ability to find humour in everyday mishaps and quirks, such as differing pronunciations of words like ‘gnocchi,’ showcases their close-knit relationship and shared sense of fun.

It is clear that the DiLaura family cherishes their time together, whether engaging in friendly competitions, preparing meals together, or planning future adventures. Despite their varying accents and ways of pronouncing words, their bonding over food and shared experiences remains a constant source of joy and connection.

Ally Merren affectionately describes her in-laws as having big hearts and a great sense of humour, ready to tease and joke with each other in good spirits. The playful correction of Luke’s mispronunciation of ricotta served as a reminder of the family’s love for each other and their ability to find joy in the simple moments of life.

In a world filled with complexities and challenges, the heartwarming story of the Merren family’s reaction to a mispronounced cheese name brings a smile and underscores the importance of laughter, love, and togetherness within families. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of daily routines, there are opportunities to celebrate the bonds that unite us and create lasting memories that we can fondly look back on.