Hear "Own"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say own the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it as oh-un /oʊən/ ~ /oʊn/ - one syllable that almost feels like two - pretty much was 'on' usually sounds like. Play the clips to hear each one in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips.

#SouthernAccents

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to each clip a few times. Start with "oh," glide softly into "uhn" for oh-un, or clip it down to own in fast speech. Keep it smooth and gliding.

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Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "own"?

In slower or more careful speech you’ll hear "oh-un" (with a glide), and in quick talk it compresses to "own."

Is one more Southern than the other?

Both are normal in the region. "Oh-un" leans to a traditional glide; "own" is the faster, clipped form.

How can I practice?

Start with a clear "own" [oʊn], then open the vowel slightly and add a soft "uhn" offglide [oʊən].

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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