   Hear "So"in a Southern AccentSoutherners stretch so just a bit longer than most folks. You’ll often hear it as suh-oh /səʊ/ ~ /sʌʊ̯/ - not quite two syllables, but with that smooth, lazy glide between the sounds. Play the clip to hear how it rolls in real Southern speech. Say It Like a Southerner
Regional NoteSouthern 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. | ...
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... |
Start with a soft "suh" - not "soh." Let your lips round slightly as you ease into "oh." Don’t make it choppy; think of it like one long, gentle motion. It’s the kind of vowel glide that gives Southern speech its calm, musical tone.