Depending on where you are in the States, words can sound totally different, especially down South. You’re stepping into a whole new world over there, where words like “pecans” sound almost like another language. Let’s look at 18 words that Southerners say in their own special way.
“Pecan”
Now, how do you say “pecan”? Peek-an, pee-can, or puh-kahn? In the South, it’s usually “puh-kahn,” although that’s not exactly a strict rule. Every family gathering might turn into a new debate, but that’s half the fun. Just make sure you don’t get caught saying it “wrong” at the local diner.
“Caramel”
Caramel is more than just a sweet topping and actually a word with two camps. Most of the South stretches it out to “car-a-mel” because they’re savoring the word, just like the treat itself. Everyone down here seems to enjoy their words as much as their food, which is why they’ll often draw out the sounds.
“Lawyer”
Down South, a “lawyer” is a “law-yer,” not a “loyer.” The emphasis is right on the “law,” maybe to remind you they know their stuff when it comes to legal matters, and they’re pretty in tune with the laws they’re talking about. As subtle as it sounds, if you stick around long enough, you’ll start saying it the Southern way, too.
“Mayonnaise”
If you’ve heard someone ask for “man-aze,” just remember that they’re not confused. They’re just from the South. Shortening words is kind of the thing down there, but they also make sure these roll off the tongue just right. It’s quicker to say and somehow makes it sound even more appealing.
“Syrup”
When it’s time for pancakes, Southerners ask for “sear-up” instead of “sir-up.” They’ll draw out the first syllable like they’re pulling out all the stops to make breakfast a bit more special. It makes sense since syrup is pretty popular down there, although it’ll never beat biscuits and gravy. Nobody knows where they really come from, though.
“Crayon”
Kids in the South might reach for a “crown” when it’s time to color, but not the royal kind. They’re actually saying “crayon.” It’s another word that often loses a syllable and turns into something that sounds more like headgear rather than something you’d use in a coloring book. Perhaps saying the word quicker helps them to color faster, too.
“Coupon”
Coupons are a big deal everywhere in America, but in the South, it’s all about the “coo-pons,” not “cue-pons.” That soft “coo” sounds just a little sweeter, just like everything else down here. You’ll find people clipping these out of newspapers with a smile, ready to get a bargain with a word that sounds just as friendly as they are.
“Route”
Around here, the way to the store isn’t a “root” but a “rout,” like “out.” This adds a bit of personality to everyday directions, and it makes even a simple drive sound a bit more Southern. Every trip you take in the South is sure to be a little adventure because the journey sounds as enjoyable as the destination.
“Pajamas”
Southerners give nightwear its own twist with “puh-jaw-muhs,” which, let’s be honest, sounds a bit more laid back. It’s a way of speaking that might make you feel a bit more relaxed, almost as if the soft drawl could tuck you in at night. When you’re winding down, slipping into your “puh-jaw-muhs” is just perfect.
“Aunt”
Forget “ant” because your mother or father’s sister is your “ahnt,” which sounds a little more British. It’s a bit more respectful and more fitting with our traditional Southern elegance. We take politeness and respect pretty seriously down South, and we’re happy to make our language about them sound just as good.
“Roof”
When Southerners climb on top of their houses, they’re going up on the “ruff.” It’s quicker to say, which might be handy if you’re yelling instructions down to someone on the ground. Somehow, saying it this way makes home maintenance a little easier and turns a chore into another part of daily Southern charm.
“Wash”
In the deep South, you’ll probably hear “washing” with an extra “r” in it, which becomes “warshing.” Nobody really knows why, but it’s stuck, and it’s as Southern as sweet tea. Maybe it’s just one of those things that get passed down through generations, but either way, it makes this boring task seem a little more nostalgic.
“Oil”
When it’s time to change the “oil,” it sounds more like “ol” and rhymes with “all.” Perhaps Southerners think two syllables were one too many and decide that cutting it down to one syllable makes it quicker to spit out. They’re not wrong because it means conversations at the mechanics are just as short as we want them to be.
“Theater”
Southerners stretch out the word “theatre” to “thee-ay-ter” in the same way that they like stretching an evening out. Going to the theatre is an experience, and the extra syllable makes it sound grander. Instead of just being a simple movie night, when a Southerner says it, it sounds like an occasion worth dressing up for.
“Iron”
If you need to “i-ron” your shirt, then you’ll hear both syllables loud and clear in the South. They’re a hard-working bunch of people, and that means taking no shortcuts, including with their speech. This way of speaking could make anyone feel a bit more careful about getting those creases out.
“Salmon”
Similarly, Southerners will talk about “sal-mon” instead of “salmon,” making sure to hit that “l” hard. Why skip it? It’s there, so they figure they might as well use it. If you’re lucky enough, you might hear them say it as “sammon” or even “sammin.” Who knew there were so many ways to pronounce it?
“Crayfish”
There’s no such thing as “crayfish” in the South, as they eat “crawfish.” They take their seafood seriously, and that includes getting the name just right. When you say “crawfish,” it’s almost like you can smell the spices and feel the steam from a fresh boil. Nobody does a seafood boil like a Southerner, and it has quite the history.
“Data”
Lastly, “data” is definitely “day-ta” in the South, although it’s not entirely clear why. Maybe they like the way it sounds a bit more upbeat, and they’re trying to jazz up what can be quite a boring idea. It’s just another one of those words that shows how Southerns can make even the dullest discussions sound a little more engaging.
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