Hear "This"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say this the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it slide into thee-us /ðɪjəs/ ~ /ðiəs/ - one syllable that almost feels like two. You normally only hear it spoken this way if it's the only word in the sentence. Otherwise you don't hear the beginning at all - or even ee-us /ɪjəs/ ~ /iəs/. Out in the country, it pretty much has two syllables - thu-ee-us /ðʌ.iəs/ ~ /ðə.iəs/. Play the clips to hear each one in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips.

#SouthernAccents

Variations

1) This is how it's normally spoken casually, without the 'th' sound at the front. /ɪjəs/ ~ /iəs/

2) As you move out into the country. /ðʌ.iəs/ ~ /ðə.iəs/

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to each clip a few times. Start with "th" for thee-us or thu-ee-us, or drop it entirely for ee-us. Glide into the "ee" then the "us" ending. Keep it smooth - one syllable that nearly splits into two.

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "this"?

In careful speech you’ll hear "thee-us" (glided), in casual speech you may hear "ee-us" (dropping "th"), and in slower or emphatic speech "thu-ee-us" (almost two syllables).

Is one more Southern than the other?

All three occur across the region. Dropping "th" to "ee-us" is the fastest and most casual.

How can I practice?

Start with a clear "this," then glide into "ee-us." Try with and without the "th" and listen to the clips for timing.

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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