Hear "Re"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say re the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it as ruh-ee /ɹɪi̯/ ~ /ɹəi̯/ - one syllable with a faint glide that nearly breaks into two. Play the clip to hear it in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips.

#SouthernAccents

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Start with a soft "ruh," glide quickly into "ee." Keep it smooth - not two full syllables, just one stretched syllable with a tail.

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Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce the syllable "re"?

It often comes out as "ruh-ee," a stretched glide that nearly splits into two syllables.

Is this used in every word with "re-"?

Not always. In faster or more clipped speech, "re-" may stay short, but in careful or rural speech, the glide is common.

How can I practice?

Start with "re," then soften the vowel into "ruh" and glide into "ee." Keep it quick enough to sound like one syllable.

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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