Hear "And"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say and the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it slide into a-yund /æjənd/ ~ /æjʊnd/ ("and" compressed with "ya" glide) - one syllable that almost feels like two - or even ay-yund, which is pretty much two syllables. Play the clips to hear each one in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips and sentences.

#SouthernAccents

Variations

As you move out into the country more. /eɪ.jənd/ ~ /eɪ.jʊnd/ ("ay" diphthong + "ya" glide + "nd")

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to each clip a few times. Start with a soft "a" or "ay," glide into "yuh," then land on "nd." A-yund stays closer to one syllable, ay-yund stretches into two. Repeat until it feels natural or matches our audio clip.

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "and"?

You’ll hear "a-yund" (one syllable stretched) and "ay-yund" (two syllables), depending on speed and emphasis.

Is one more Southern than the other?

Both occur across the region; "a-yund" is more common in quick, casual speech, "ay-yund" in slower or more emphatic talk.

How can I practice?

Start with a clear "and," then add a slight "ya" glide before the "nd." Make it longer for "ay-yund" or shorter for "a-yund."

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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