Are you familiar with the US’s oldest accent? If you’ve ever read a Stephen King novel or seen a movie adaptation like Carrie or It, you can proudly answer “Ayuh.” If your answer is no and you’re worried about being a chowderhead, read on to learn more about the New England accent and all its Yankee sophistication.
New England is comprised of six relatively small states that have an oversized impact both culturally and linguistically. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts are home to what is generally considered the New England accent, but within that general region, each state and even county can have a vast number of dialects. Some old-timers in parts of the Northeast can even pinpoint the very town you came from by slight variations in speech.
Non-Rhoticity
Non-Rhoticity, or “r-dropping,” is the telltale sign you’re talking to someone from Red Sox territory. This is where “car” becomes “cah,” large becomes “lahge,” and “there” turns into “they-yuh.” When someone wants to put on a New England or Boston accent, this is usually their first go-to. Locals, however, are quick to point out that Hollywood has done a poor job of mastering this technique in its New England adaptations, and that many famous actors playing a New Englander still haven’t been able to properly drop the proper r’s. The secret lies in mainly dropping r’s that are followed by a vowel or come at the end of a sentence. This linguistic trait is said to date back to the original colonists from England.
Adding R’s at the End of Other Words
In a seeming effort to balance out the Case of the Disappearing R’s, New Englanders will sometimes add additional -r sounds to the end of other words. If you’ve ever heard the word “idea” pronounced “i-dear,” this is where that originated. Another one commonly heard in select parts of the Northeast is ordering a “pizz-er” rather than pizza.
Broad “-A” Sound
The vowels are where the New England accent really shines. The most notable example is turning a long -O sound into a slightly higher and raised broad -A, which comes out like “ah.” This is the classic example of Boston becoming “Bah-stun.” The vowels are an area that varies greatly by region, as different New Englanders shift the -a vowel sound to varying degrees from “ah” to “aw.”
The Troublesome Rhode Island Accent
One brand of New England accent stands out for its complexity, uniqueness, and unfortunately the problems it causes for its native speakers when they leave their region. A study was conducted to find the “most misunderstood accent” to see which state’s speakers had the most trouble communicating abroad due to their accent. The winner of course turned out to be mighty Rhode Island. which takes a typical New England accent and then adds its own special flair by broadening additional vowels and using distinctive vocabulary, like calling a diaper a “gagga.” One prominent example of this unique accent can be heard from the character Peter in the cartoon Family Guy.
New England Slang
Ayuh
The term “ayuh” means yes, and is usually a simple Yankee reply to a yes or no question.
Wicked
This term that means very or super is often played for laughs with a New England accent, but the phrase is in fact quite common. A similar regional comparison would be California’s use of the word “hella.”
Grinder
In New England you don’t eat a submarine sandwich or hoagie, but a grinder.
Packy
This is a local term for a package store or liquor store.
Jeezum Crow
This term is similar to “Oh my goodness” or “My word” in the South. This is a particular favorite of Maine writer Stephen King.
Jimmies
These are the chocolate or rainbow sprinkles you might find on ice cream or a donut.
State-y
This is a Massachusetts-centric term for a state patrol officer.
“So don’t I”
Though it may sound like someone is disagreeing, it in fact means the same as “So do I,” just with a New England twist.
How to Do a New England Accent
The first step is deciding if you’re going for a general New England accent or if you’re really trying to do a Boston accent. That will tell you the level to which you should drop those pesky ending r’s and how hard you want to flex the “ah” sound. Once you’ve got that dialed in, you’re wicked ready!
