You talkin' to me? How to Write a New Yawk Accent and Not Sound Like a Fake
Hey there, fellas and dolls! Ever wanted your characters to channel their inner New Yorker but wind up sounding more Brooklyn Bridge and Tunnel than Broadway? Fret no more, because this here guide will teach you how to write a New Yawk accent that'll have your readers saying "fuggedaboutit" to all those clich� "yo"s and "dese"s.
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| How To Write A New York Accent |
Droppin' Rs Like They're Hot (Potatoes)
New Yorkers are notorious for leaving their Rs out in the cold. Think "cah" instead of "car" and "theah" instead of "there." But here's the kicker: it ain't always a clean drop. Sometimes, that missing R gets replaced with a subtle "uh" sound. So, "coffee" might turn into "cawfee" and "order" could become "awdah."
Pro Tip: Don't go overboard! Overusing dropped Rs can make your dialogue sound like nails on a chalkboard. Use it strategically for emphasis or comedic effect.
Thicker Than a Bialy (Look it Up)
New Yorkers have a way of handling "th" sounds that can leave outsiders scratching their heads. Instead of the airy "th" sound, they often replace it with a sharper "d" or "t." This means "this" becomes "dis" and "think" becomes "tink."
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
Warning: This one's a tricky territory. Use it sparingly, especially for older characters or those with a strong accent.
Vowelplay: The Bronx Beat
New Yawk vowels are a whole different ball game. "A"s get stretched out like a slice of dollar pizza (we don't do deep dish here), so "talk" becomes "taw-k" and " badania "banana" becomes "buh-nan-uh." "O"s often get the same treatment, turning "coffee" into the aforementioned "cawfee."
Remember: This "aw-uh" sound is subtle. Don't turn your characters into caricatures!
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Speakin' My Mind (Fast)
New Yorkers are a fast-talking bunch. Their speech has a rhythm and energy that needs to be captured on the page. Shorten your sentences, clip your words, and don't be afraid to use slang.
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Fun Fact: New Yorkers also tend to speak in a monotone, with less variation in pitch than other dialects.
You Got Questions? We Got Answers (Kinda)
How to write "fugazi"? - This New York staple (meaning "fake" or "phony") can be spelled "fuhgeddaboudit" or "fugetaboutit." Both work!
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
How to use "youse"? - This plural pronoun ("you guys") is a classic New Yorkism. Use it with caution, as it can sound dated.
How to write "gonna"? - This contraction ("going to") is music to a New Yorker's ears.
How to capture New York attitude? - Short, punchy sentences and rhetorical questions ("What are you lookin' at?") are your friends.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
How to avoid sounding clich�? - Ditch the tired "yo"s and "dese"s. Real New York speech is more nuanced.
So there you have it, folks! With a little practice, you'll be writing dialogue that'll have your readers saying "That's how we tawk in the city!" Just remember, New York is a melting pot of accents and cultures. This guide is just a starting point – have fun and experiment to find your own unique New Yawk voice!
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