I used to pronounce cacophony (ca·coph·o·ny) like ca·co·pho·ny. Embarrassing, I know; I was even corrected in person one of the few times I’d used it aloud. That’s what you get for only reading a word and not hearing it.

I really quite like the word. I also enjoy the use of its opposite: euphony.

Cacophony

ca·coph·o·ny /kəˈkäfənē/

Noun: 1. harsh discordance of sound; dissonance: a cacophony of hoots, cackles, and wails. 2. a discordant and meaningless mixture of sounds: the cacophony produced by city traffic at midday. 3. Music: frequent use of discords of a harshness and relationship difficult to understand. (dictionary.com)

Euphony

eu·pho·ny   /ˈyufəni/

Noun: Agreeableness of sound; pleasing effect to the ear, especially a pleasant sounding or harmonious combination or succession of words: the majestic euphony of Milton’s poetry. (dictionary.com)

Picture

I was searching for bagpipes (a cacophony I appreciate) and this rugby postcard came up. I liked it too much not to use it.