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Hear "All"in a Southern Accent

In the South, all gets stretched and warmed up. You’ll often hear it as ahwl /ɑːɫ/ ~ /ɔːɫ/ - that open, rounded vowel that sounds smooth as sweet tea on a summer porch. Play the clip to hear it in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips and sentences.

#SouthernAccents  

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Start with an open "ah," round your lips slightly, and finish with a soft, dark "l." Keep it easy and smooth - one long syllable, not choppy. Think "ahwl," not "awl."

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "all"?
Often as "ahwl," with a wider, rounder vowel than most accents use.
Why does it sound different?
The vowel opens up and glides slightly toward the back of the mouth, giving that rich, lazy Southern tone.
How can I practice?
Say "all," but let your jaw drop a little and your lips round. Draw it out slightly - "ahwl" - until it feels natural.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 8). All. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southern-accent/all
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "All." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southern-accent/all.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "All." HillbillySlang.com. October 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southern-accent/all.

Regional Note

Southern accents vary widely from state to state and even holler to holler. The examples here reflect speech patterns common to rural Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, western North Carolina, north Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, and aren't meant to represent lowland or coastal "Deep South" varieties. Nor are the examples perfect - accents can be hyper-regional. They're provided for curious learners, actors and content creators, and ESL speakers who want a friendly introduction to authentic pronunciation. Learn more on the Southern Accent hub page.

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