Hear "It"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say it the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it glide into ee-yut /ijət/ ~ /ɪjət/ - almost two syllables but quicker, a soft "ee" gliding into "yut." Play the clip to hear it in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips and sentences.

#SouthernAccents

Say It Like a Southerner

Listen to the audio clip a few times. Start with a light "ee" vowel, let it glide into a soft "y" before finishing with "t" - "ee-yut." Keep it one syllable that nearly splits into two.

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Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "it"?

In casual speech you’ll hear a light "ee-yut," almost two syllables but compressed.

Is this used all over the South?

Yes, though it varies by speed and formality - slower speech may stretch it more ("ee-yut"), faster talk may compress it toward "it."

How can I practice?

Start with a clean "it," then add a tiny "ee" before it and a hint of "y" in the middle - "ee-yut." Repeat until it feels natural.

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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