The above quote was very eloquently explained by Duke. I hope you do not mind starting a new thread with it for I thought we are getting too far away from the title of the CleanSweep challenge.Missouri is very difficult word on etymology and in his history but I think you (almost) all know that. I will say it for those that don't know.
There was an indigenous tribe called the Missouri that speak Sioan-language, they were also called the ouemessourita (wimihsoorita), meaning "those who have dugout canoes", by the Miami-Illinois language speakers. As the Illini were the first natives encountered by Europeans in the region, the latter adopted the Illini name for the Missouri people.
Since 1600 the many pronunciations of Missouri mainly because of the Missouri river or the Mississippi-Missouri spread to the USA and among the speakers of American English.
Is very interesting how the study of a word can go so deep. Well we are a bit what and how we speak or in this case how and what we write.
I like that Missouri word tastes good to say it.
My take on this word is somewhat more personal for it is interesting from a different angle and I believe it to be the true meaning of the word Missouri. I changed my name by Deed Poll for the English language did not contain the letter ő. My Mothers' maiden name was O'Shane and because I had so much trouble with all those apostrophes etc I decided that my Surname should be Shane. You might ask what that has to do with Missouri. Let me explain. If you divide the word into two syllables you get Miss and ouri. The first syllable indicates an unmarried female and since I like females that word is pleasing to my ears. The second syllable is ouri. This is as close as you can get to pronounce the letter ő the way it sounded.
In conclusion I declare that Missouri aka Miss őri is a daughter of mine. You are permitted to laugh now, I am...