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Hear "S"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say the letter S the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it slide to something like eh-yus /ɛjəs/ ~ /eɪjəs/ - almost two syllables but quicker, a soft "eh" gliding into a light "yus." Play the clip to hear it in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips and sentences.

#SouthernAccents   #CommonFunctionWords

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Listen to the audio clip a few times. Start with a light "eh" vowel, let it glide into a soft "y" before finishing with "us" - "eh-yus." Keep it one syllable that nearly splits into two.

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Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce the letter "S"?
In casual speech you’ll hear a light "eh-yus," almost two syllables but compressed.
Is this used all over the South?
Yes, though it varies by speed and formality - slower speech may stretch it more ("eh-yus"), faster talk may compress it toward "es."
How can I practice?
Start with a clean "S," then add a tiny "eh" before it and a hint of "y" in the middle - "eh-yus." Repeat until it feels natural.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 20). S. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southern-accent/s-letter
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "S." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southern-accent/s-letter.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "S." HillbillySlang.com. September 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southern-accent/s-letter.

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.

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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...
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