Next post.
Previous post.

Hear "Pecan"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say pecan the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll most often hear either puh-KAHN [pəˈkɑːn] (stress on the second syllable) or PEE-can [piː.kæn] (stress on the first syllable). Play the clip to hear both versions in real Southern speech, then - if you're up for a challenge - practice them yourself with our tips and sentences.

#SouthernAccents  

Variations

Sometimes you hear it PEE-can [piː.kæn], often before 'pie.'

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to our audio clips a few times, focusing on the "puh-KAHN" and "PEE-can" stress patterns, then repeat until it feels natural or matches our audio clip.

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "pecan"?
You’ll hear both "puh-KAHN" and "PEE-can" across the South. Some swear by one, some use both depending on the word that follows.
Is one pronunciation more Southern than the other?
"puh-KAHN" is often linked to Deep South and rural areas; "PEE-can" shows up in parts of Texas and the Carolinas, but both are widespread.
How can I practice saying "pecan" in a Southern accent?
Listen to both audio clips and practice each stress pattern separately until it feels natural.
Why the difference?
It’s partly regional history and partly individual preference; "pecan" has been split for over a century.

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, and Mississippi, and aren't meant to represent lowland or coastal "Deep South" varieties. 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.

...
About
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content may not be reused without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home