Accent
What our accent ‘says’ about us
Everyone has an accent. Whether it is a crisp London lilt, a Southern drawl, a thick Glaswegian twang, or something in between, our accent tells a story long before we finish our first sentence. But what exactly does our accent say about us?
The answer: more than we think.
Accents as identity … “awright”
Our accent reveals clues about where we come from, who raised us, and even what social group we belong to. It is a kind of verbal fingerprint. It tells people not just our geographical roots, but also our cultural ones. I was born in Kent, but soon picked up a Northumbrian accent when I moved north at the age of five. I then ‘lost’ it within a year of moving to Suffolk at the age of eleven.
For example, someone with a Geordie accent might immediately be identified with Northern England, while a clipped RP (Received Pronunciation) voice might suggest a more privileged background—even if it is not the case.
Accents: they carry assumptions … some fair, some completely off the mark.
The psychology of accents … “alright me’ansum?”
Research shows that people make snap judgments about others based on how they speak—often within seconds. Accents can influence how we perceive someone’s intelligence, friendliness, trustworthiness, and status.
Studies have shown that speakers with regional accents are sometimes (unfairly) rated as less ‘professional’ or ‘competent’ than those with more standardised or ‘neutral’ accents. On the flip side, regional accents are often seen as more warm, down-to-earth, or authentic.
In other words, accents do not just reflect identity—they shape perception.
Accent bias is real … “Wey aye, man”
Unfortunately, accent bias exists. People are routinely judged—consciously or unconsciously—based on how they sound. This can affect job interviews, education, and social interactions. In some cases, people even feel pressure to ‘soften’ or change their accents to fit in or be taken seriously.
This is especially common among bilingual speakers, immigrants, or people from working-class backgrounds. The pressure to adopt a more ‘neutral’ or ‘standard’ accent can be intense—but it also highlights how powerful accents really are.
Code-switching and accent shifting … “ooh arr, me ‘earties”
Some people naturally shift their accent depending on context—a skill known as code-switching. For example, we might sound more formal at work and more relaxed at home. Others may find their accent gradually changes over time, especially if they move to a new region or country.
This adaptability is not fake; it is a reflection of linguistic flexibility. It is also a way of navigating different social environments, consciously or not.
Celebrating our sound … “shout it from the ‘hoose’ roof-tops”
Our accent is part of our story. It reflects where we have been, who we have talked with, and how we see the world. Trying to erase it for the sake of sounding ‘better’ can mean losing a piece of who we are.
In recent years, there has been a welcome shift toward celebrating accent diversity, especially in the media, education, and public life. The truth is that there is no such thing as a ‘correct’ accent, simply different ones.
UK accent examples and users
Cockney – Michael Caine or Only Fools and Horses
Scouse – Cilla Black or Jamie Carragher
Geordie – Ant & Dec
Brummie – Ozzy Osbourne or Peaky Blinders
Mancunian – Gallagher brothers
Yorkshire – Jane MacDonald
West Country – Harry Potter
Highland English – Sir Sean Connery
Scottish (Highland and Lowland) – David Tennant
Welsh – Gareth Bale or Gavin and Stacey
Northern Irish – Kenneth Brannagh
These different accents are not just about pronunciations or unique vocabularies. They celebrate regional diversity and local cultures, reflecting the rich tapestry of local history. They remind us that language is a living entity, constantly changing and adapting, just as the people who speak it will.
Final thoughts … “alright, Bab?”
Our accent says we are human. It says we have roots. It says we belong somewhere—and that it is something of which to be proud.
So whether we roll our rs, drop our ts (I dislike the apostrophised forms – r’s/t’s), or have a sing-song lilt no one can quite place, remember: our voice is our superpower.
‘Fun’ bite
Weird words you won’t believe exist (but totally do)
The English language has over a million words—and some of them are bizarre. Whether they sound funny, describe oddly specific things, or just make you do a double-take, there is a treasure trove of bizarre vocabulary out there. Here are some of the strangest, silliest, and most surprisingly real words.
1. Petrichor
Definition: The pleasant, earthy smell after it rains.
Sounds like a mythical creature, right? But “petrichor” is 100% real—and very poetic. It comes from Greek: petra (stone) + ichor (the fluid that flows in the veins of gods). So basically, rain smells like divine stone juice.
2. Defenestration
Definition: The act of throwing someone (or something) out of a window.
Why is there a whole word for this? No one knows for sure—but it’s been around since the 17th century and originates from Latin (de = down from, fenestra = window). Use with caution.
3. Snollygoster
Definition: A clever but morally unprincipled person, especially a politician.
This old American slang word has been enjoying a quiet comeback—and frankly, we should all be using it more. It sounds like a cartoon villain and pretty much means the same.
4. Zarf
Definition: The little cardboard sleeve that goes around your coffee cup to stop your hand from burning.
Yes, it has a name. And no, it is not just “that sleeve thing.” Bonus: in Arabic, zarf originally meant a fancy metal coffee holder. Today’s version is less glamorous—but very practical.
5. Sesquipedalian
Definition: Characterised by long words
The word itself is long-winded … ironic. It is better to eschew such prolixity
6. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia
Definition: A fear of long words
Indeed! I may seek Clinomania!
7. Bumfuzzle
Definition: To confuse or fluster.
Sounds like a Dr. Seuss invention, but ‘bumfuzzle’ is a real word with old Southern roots. Example: “I was totally bumfuzzled by that math test.”
8. Limerence
Definition: The state of being obsessively infatuated with someone.
It is more intense than a crush, less stable than love, and totally real. ‘Limerence’ captures that giddy, irrational, butterflies-in-your-brain feeling.
Final Thoughts
Language is full of surprises—and sometimes, it is also full of zarfs and bumfuzzlement. These weird words might not come up in everyday conversation, but they are a great reminder that English is far from boring.
Drop one of these into your next chat, and you might just sound clever and quirky.
