Hear "The"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say the the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it come out as thu-ee [ðɪ.i] ~ [ði.i] or [ðə.i] or thu-uh [ðʊə] ~ [ðə.ə] or [ðʌə] - a quick little "th" that stretches into a light vowel, almost two syllables but not quite. Play the clips to hear each one in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips and sentences.

#SouthernAccents

Variations

Most common: tha [ðʊə] ~ [ðə.ə] or [ðʌə]

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to each clip a few times. Start with a soft "th" sound, then glide into a light vowel: thu-ee (almost "thee"), thu-uh (a relaxed "thuh" sliding to "uh"). Keep it one syllable that nearly splits into two.

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "the"?

In slower or more emphatic speech, you’ll hear it as "thu-ee" (almost "thee"), and in casual relaxed talk, "thu-uh" - both a little longer than the standard "thuh."

Is this used all over the South?

You’ll hear both forms across the region. Some speakers switch depending on the next word (before vowels or consonants).

How can I practice?

Start with the standard "thuh," then stretch the vowel slightly to make it "thu-ee" or "thu-uh," keeping the "th" soft and breathy.

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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