Hear "For"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say for the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it slide into foh-ur /foʊɚ/ ~ /foʊ.ɚ/ - one syllable that almost feels like two - or fohw-er, which is pretty much two syllables. In very rare cases, it may reduce to fehr. Play the clips to hear each one in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips.

#SouthernAccents

Variations

1) As you move out into the country, it's pretty much two syllables. /foʊ.wɚ/ ~ /foʊ.əɹ/

2) Rare one, mainly in old movies. /fɚ/ ~ /fɜɹ/

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to each clip a few times. Start with "foh," then glide into "ur" or "w-er" for foh-ur or fohw-er, or clip it down to fehr in fast speech. Keep it one syllable that nearly splits into two.

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Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "for"?

In careful speech you’ll hear "foh-ur" or "fohw-er" with a full glide; in casual fast talk it reduces to "fehr."

Is one more Southern than the other?

All three occur across the region. The two-syllable or glided forms are older and slower; the clipped "fehr" is modern and fast.

How can I practice?

Start with a clear "for," then add a slight glide ("foh-ur" or "fohw-er") or clip it to "fehr" when you speed up.

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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