Dice
 
Share
 
 
 
Next post.
Previous post.

Hear "Head"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say head the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it come out as hay-ud or with a softer drawl. Play the clip to hear how it sounds in real Southern speech, then - if you're up for a challenge - practice it yourself with our tips and sentences.

#SouthernAccents  

Example Audio in Sentences

1) "'At biscuit hit me right upside th'head!" Translates to "That biscuit hit me in the head."

2) "'I bleeve sumpin' might be a little off in your head." Translates to "What were you thinking?"

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to our audio clip a few times, focusing on the "haid" sound, then repeat until it feels natural or matches our audio clip.

Related Pages

Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "head"?
Many say it closer to "haid" with a subtle vowel shift.
Is this pronunciation used all over the South?
It varies, but "haid" is common in Appalachian and Deep South regions.
How can I practice saying "head" in a Southern accent?
Listen to our audio clip a few times and repeat, focusing on the shifted vowel.
Why do Southerners change the vowel in words like "head"?
It’s partly rhythm and partly vowel shifts passed down through regional speech patterns.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 16). Head. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southern-accent/head
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Head." HillbillySlang.com, 16 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southern-accent/head.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Head." HillbillySlang.com. September 16, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southern-accent/head.

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.

Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Slang
Latest Southernish
About
Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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...
Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home