Why, I do declare!

Recently, I was on a work call with someone when she informed me that someone might not understand her because she only speaks “Southern English.”

I was intrigued. It was the same as saying “I may not be understood because I only speak Northeastern English or Western English.”

Unfortunately I could not delve into specificities of Southern English with this lovely woman (who I found out was based in Hilton Head, South Carolina). I really wish I could have though because I do love a good accent.

I know the South is home to the wonderful phrase, “The higher the hair, the closer to God.” I once heard this at a bridal luncheon in Atlanta and have since been seeking an opportunity to use it in a conversation.

I know that the northerners tend to speak quicker, and the vowels just hit harder. I once heard people describe people from the Northeast as the type who will help you if your car breaks down but will yell at you for being an idiot the entire time. This seems accurate to me. People in the Northeast often seem in a rush, which comes out in their accents.

I know that some Texans have an accent as well. Whenever we ask our British friends to do an American accent, some Texas drawl attempt comes out of their mouths despite knowing us and knowing that we have never had a drawl ever.

I know that some people in the Midwest have an accent, and I can’t describe it, but the word Minnesota comes out sounding like “Minnie-soda.”