   Hear "Be"in a Southern AccentUs Southerners don’t always say be the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it as beh-ee /bɪi̯/ ~ /biə/ - one syllable with a glide that nearly splits into two - or stretched into buh-eh-ee /bə.ei/ ~ /bɛ.i/ in slower or more expressive talk. Play the clip to hear both in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips. VariationsThis one is more rural. /bə.ei/ ~ /bɛ.i/ Say It Like a Southerner
Regional NoteSouthern 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. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |
Start with "beh" or "buh," then glide quickly into "ee." Keep it tight for "beh-ee" in quick speech, or stretch it smooth for "buh-eh-ee." Practice both until they feel natural.