What Is The Washington Accent Called?

When you hear the word "American accents," you immediately think of the South's drawl, the East Coast's fast speech, or California's laid-back speech. Then what about Washington state? People talk in a different way in Seattle and the rest of the Pacific Northwest. A lot of people call this the "Washington Accent" or the "Pacific Northwest Accent." But what makes it so different?

Why Do The Washington Accent Sounds Neutral And Less Harsh Compared To Other American Accents? 

The fact that the Washington accent sounds bland to Americans is an interesting fact about it. There are a lot of experts who say it sounds a lot like General American English, which means it doesn't have strong regional markers like accents from Alabama or New York. 

People who live in Washington State like to speak clearly and exactly, with no changes in their vowels that can be seen. There is no vocal stretching like in the Midwest and no dropping of the “R” sound like in Boston.

Also Check Out Our: Who Inspired Jeff Bezos?

Learn The Little Things That Set The Washington Accent Apart From Other American English Accents

There are a few small things that make the Washington accent unique, even if it seems neutral. One of them is how different people say things like "bag." Washington State will say it more like "beg." One thing that makes the accent unique is this small change in the vowels. 

Another thing that all of them have in common is the way they say certain words about their surroundings. Because Washington is known for its rain, mountains, and woods, some words can be said in a slightly more laid-back way to match the easygoing way of life in the area. Also, words like "Seattle" and "Tahoma," which come from Native American languages, are carefully spoken to honor their history. 

How Living In The Pacific Northwest Changes The Way People Talk In Washington

The Pacific Northwest is no different from any other place in that it shapes the way people talk. The casual outdoor lifestyle that Washingtonians live in shows in the way they talk to each other: they are polite and easygoing. People usually think of East Coasters as rude and quick-tongued, but people from Washington State talk in a casual, natural way.

Also Check Out Our: Can I Afford To Live In Seattle?

Know How Do West Coast Cities Of Portland And Seattle Affect The Washington Accent

Washington is close to Oregon and California; hence, Oregon and California accents usually merge. But the Washington accent is not like a California accent, which has more noticeable drawl or loosened vowel changes. Though in a laid-back tone, Washingtonians speak directly and clearly.

Being the largest city in Washington, Seattle has been very important in influencing the development of the accent. Many recent graduates and young professionals have moved to the area; hence the accent is lively and understandable.

What The Washington Accent Has To Do With The Need To Be Clear In Service-Based Businesses 

People in Washington State speak in a fair and clear way, which makes customer service very important there. The clear and polite speech of people with a Washington accent is good for businesses, especially ones that need to talk to customers. A coffee shop, a tech company, or even Maria's Green Cleaning, a business that does good cleaning, needs to be able to communicate clearly in order to be successful.

Also Check Out Our: What Is The Top Five Income In Seattle?

Learning About The Washington Accent And How It Shows Who The People Are And What They Do In The Pacific Northwest

Not just a language, the Washington accent is a way of life, a way of thinking, and a way of being. The neighborhood is nice, calm, and normal, just like the people who live there. Their voice captures the easygoing and friendly vibe of the Pacific Northwest, which people who live in or visit Seattle will enjoy. Even though it's not the most common accent in the country, the Washington accent is a big part of what makes the place unique.

The lovely state and the wonderful people who get to live here are reflected in the smooth, laid-back way people talk. Keep an ear out the next time you visit Washington State. You could hear the cute accent from the Pacific Northwest!