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Hear "My"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say my with the same crisp sound as the unhillbillies. You’ll often hear it softened or stretched to mah or mahh, especially in a slow drawl. Play the clip to hear how it sounds in real Southern speech, then - if you're up for a challenge - practice it yourself with our tips and sentences.

#SouthernAccents  

Example Audio in Sentences

1) "'Hey hey hey hey hey... That's my butter." Translates to "Excuse me. That butter belongs to me."

2) "'My bum hip is botherin' me today." Translates to "My hip hurts a little today."

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to our audio clip a few times, focusing on the "mah" sound, then repeat until it feels natural or matches our audio clip.

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "my"?
Many shift it to "mah" or "mahh," lengthening and flattening the vowel.
Is this pronunciation used all over the South?
It’s especially common in Appalachian and Deep South regions, though the exact sound varies.
How can I practice saying "my" in a Southern accent?
Listen to our audio clip several times and mimic the drawn-out "mah" sound.
Why do Southerners change the vowel in "my"?
It’s part of the rhythm and vowel shifts characteristic of Southern speech, passed down through regional patterns.
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