Why The Southern Accent Isn’t Going Anywhere Any Time Soon

No need to worry, y'all!

Lately there’s been a lot of bickering about whether or not the Southern accent is fading away, but despite what some research may indicate, we have a pretty good feeling that our beloved twang isn’t going anywhere any time soon. When it comes to matters of the heart (and this is decidedly one), you have to go with your gut—and our gut is telling us that the Southern accent is here to stay. Our way of speaking has been around for hundreds of years, and with any luck, it will be around for hundreds more. Southerners tend to stand by their traditions, and when it comes to our accents, it’s no different. If you’re worried that our charming drawl might be a thing of the past, here are just a few arguments that’ll make sure your worry amounts to less than a hill of beans. And if we’re preaching to the choir, then go ahead and say “hallelujah” because the Southern accent is no closer to extinction that double names or monograms. That is to say—it’s alive and very well.

We’ll Never Stop Visiting Home

Even those who move away from our region will always find their way back for Christmas and Easter and Thanksgiving and a dozen holidays in between. If you were born in the South, the South will always be home—plus that’s where your kin live! Just a few hours catching up with Grandma and her ladies over a game of bridge will have you dusting off your long-forgotten “bless your hearts” and “fixin’ tos” in no time at all. And if you find yourself slowing your speech just a touch and drawing out those vowels sounds, well that’s quiiite alright with us. A week down South is just long enough to set your accent straight and make sure it’s just present enough to start rubbing off on your new friends away from home.

Related: 50 Southern Phrases You Won’t Hear Anywhere Else

Some Words Just Sound Better With A Southern Accent

We may be biased but there are some words (read: all) that sound better when pronounced with our signature twang. If you’ve ever heard a Northerner try to properly use the word “holler” in a sentence or a West Coaster exclaim “goodness gracious!” then you know exactly what we mean.

The Rest Of The World Loves It

There’s no denying that the virtually everyone who’s not a Southerner is fascinated with the Southern accent, and we’re more than happy to show our sweeter-than-honey speech patterns off. Movies like Steel Magnolias, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Sweet Home Alabama have been making folks pine for a Southern accent for generations, and there are no signs of any less love in the near future. There’s a reason TikTok star Landon Bryant (@LandonTalks) of Laurel, Mississippi has 2.7 million followers. People love his accent and they love learning about the South.

Related: 25 Colorful Quotes from Steel Magnolias

It’s Just Who We Are

I think one of our favorite Southerners, country music star Reba McEntire said it best when she recounted her reaction to people who were surprised that she kept her accent. "When I went to L.A., and people had said, 'Oh, you kept your accent.' I said, 'Well, that's the way I talk.' "Yeah, but don't you want to change it?' And I said, 'Well, why? Then that wouldn't be Reba. That'd be somebody else.'" And like Mama always said, there’s no one better to be than yourself.

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.