marksabout

To clear up some confusion: Until recently, I too believed that Barcelona was fondly named “Barca”. This would be a natural formulation for we native speakers of English: pronouncing Barcelona with an /s/ sound, we would also pronounce “Barca” with same. Perhaps further confusion comes from our knowledge of the football team’s nickname, “Barça”, said the same way we would say “Barca” in english.

In Spanish, “Barca“(without the ç with the little tail) , is said with a /k/ sound and means bark (boat). (Own very own HMS Endeavour was indeed a Bark);

“Barça” refers only to the local football club;

“Barna” is the nickname the spaniards give the city; and

“BCN” is just an airport code.

I’ve also heard variations such as Barthelona, Barchelona or a favourite, Bartzelona.

Many people here insist on writing my hometown as “Sídney”. As Spanish speakers pronounce every letter that appears in a word, a group of consonants together as in “Sydney” is potentially difficult. I say call Barcelona what you like.