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Hear "Funny"in a Southern Accent

In the South, funny gets softened and rounded - more like foo-uh-nee /ˈfʊ̈.ə.ni/ ~ /fəʊ.ni/ than "funny." That first vowel stretches just a bit, smooth as a summer breeze. Play the clip to hear how it rolls in true Southern speech.

#SouthernAccents  

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Start with a rounded "foo-uh," not a flat "fun." Let the vowel glide gently - almost like "fuh-oo." Then finish light with "nee." Keep it easy and unhurried, with that friendly lift at the end that Southerners do naturally.

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Why does "funny" sound like "foo-uh-nee" in the South?
Southerners tend to open up the first vowel and let it glide - it’s not "funny," it’s "foo-uh-nee," with that rounded Southern tone.
Is it really two syllables?
Not quite. The vowel just slides enough to sound smooth and drawn - one of the prettiest features of Southern rhythm.
How can I practice?
Say "funny," then let the first part drift toward "foo." Keep your lips rounded, then land lightly on "nee."

How to Cite This Page

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

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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