So vocal-fry is a major epidemic here in North America. The ladies are apparently using it to sound “more authoritative and sexy” (DON’T LAUGH!), so it’s no surprise that it’s now spread down to the dudes. It’s also a really great way to show others that you’re polite whilst ordering your Eggnog Latte at Starbucks, but without making any eye-contact with that person serving you. That’s icky! An aptly placed “THAIN KYEWWWW” will do just fine, brah.
According to the findings which were presented at the Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America in California:
“We found use of uptalk in all of our speakers, despite their diverse backgrounds in socioeconomic status, ethnicity, bilingualism and gender,” said Amanda Ritchart, a linguist at the University of California who led the research. “We believe that uptalk is becoming more prevalent and systematic in its use for the younger generations in Southern California,” she added.
The team recorded and analysed the voices of 23 native Californians aged between 18 and 22. The researchers were therefore not able to infer similar language patters in older Californians.
She added that “uptalk” had negative connotations which made men less likely to admit to using it, but what was clear was that it was spreading.
“It grates on people, some people think it sounds really ditzy or insecure. This does not accurately come across like that to the native speakers.”
Don’t try to blame Clueless. Don’t even try and come for Valley Girl (it’s been 30 years). This is obviously the work of the dark arts, courtesy of the Kardashian coven!
[via BBC Science]
Be the first to comment on "OMG, THAIN KYEW-AH!: Study shows more men speaking in girls’ ‘dialect’"