Hear "Was"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say was the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it as wuh-uhz /wʌ.əz/ ~ /wə.əz/ - one syllable with a schwa glide - or stretched into woo-uh-uhz /wu.ə.əz/ ~ /wʊ.ə.əz/, which is pretty much two syllables. Play the clips to hear both in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips.

#SouthernAccents

Variations

This is another trickier, country version. /wu.ə.əz/ ~ /wʊ.ə.əz/

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Start with "wuh" or "woo," then let it slide into a faint "uh" before closing on "z." Keep it clipped for "wuh-uhz," or stretch it into "woo-uh-uhz" for slower, emphatic talk.

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "was"?

In casual speech, "wuh-uhz" is most common. In slower or expressive speech, you may hear the stretched "woo-uh-uhz."

Do both forms rhyme with "buzz"?

Yes, but with extra vowel glides in between, which make them sound longer.

How can I practice?

Start with plain "was," then soften it to "wuh-uhz." Try stretching it to "woo-uh-uhz" for practice, especially when emphasizing a story.

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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