Do you want to learn how to describe a British accent in writing? This post will help you. Scroll down to learn about 10 words you can use to give your character a quintessential British accent.
1. Brash
Definition
Having a lot of confidence but not much respect for others.
Examples
“The Londoner’s brash and cocky accent seemed to imply he thought he was better than everyone else in the room.”
“The brash voices of the British couple at the other table filled the restaurant to the point where everyone else knew all the sordid details of their relationship.”
How it Adds Description
A “brash” sounding voice is often loud and can seem to drown out those around them. Some British accents can naturally seem this way, especially some from the North such as Manchester, or a London East End accent in the South. It can also help to signify what the person with a British accent thinks about the people around them, perhaps thinking they are better or granted privileges because of their nationality.
2. Charming
Definition
Pleasant and attractive.
Examples
“His charming British accent made the girls swoon over him.”
“Using her charming British accent it felt like she could get away with anything.”
How it Adds Description
Often a British accent can be seen as “charming”, especially if it is considered to be upper-class. This can make it irresistible for characters with different accents, and the accent holder might even use it to their advantage to get what they want.
3. Considered
Definition
Putting a lot of thought behind decisions and choices.
Examples
“The carefully considered nature of his British accent made him appear to be the smartest person in the room, even when he clearly wasn’t.”
“There seemed to be considered thought over everything that came out of the British diplomat’s mouth.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes a British accent can appear to be intelligent and have a lot of thought put behind every word. This can sometimes lead to characters being seen as respectable and smart, even if their intentions are less than pure. If you have a character that speaks in this manner, consider describing their accent as “considered”.
4. Friendly
Definition
Pleasant and kind towards someone.
Examples
“Her friendly British accent was as warm and inviting as a freshly brewed cup of tea.”
“The friendly British accent of the waitress reminded her that she was finally home.”
How it Adds Description
For some, a British accent can be a warming and caring presence, that can help to put them at ease. It could be a Brit returning home, or a soothing quality that helps to comfort characters in times of need. Try describing the accent of a British person in your writing as “friendly”.
5. Lilting
Definition
Gently rising and falling in a way that is nice to listen to.
Examples
“Her lilting British accent turned every conversation into a song.”
“His lilting accent had as many peaks and valleys as the Welsh village he came from.”
How it Adds Description
Some British accents almost have a sing-song quality in the way that they move up and down. This can often lead other characters to be captivated by them and their melodious quality. For accents such as Welsh, or others, consider describing them as having a “lilting” quality.
6. Polite
Definition
Behaving in a socially correct way that considers the feelings and needs of others.
Examples
“Her British accent was so politely spoken that it directly contrasted with the coarse words coming out of her mouth.”
“The polite nature of his British accent helped many to warm to and trust him.”
How it Adds Description
British accents are often associated with good manners, especially in those accents that enunciate clearly. This can lead characters to be seen as “polite”, which can be a bit of a shock to your reader and characters if they end up being a lot crasser than their voice lets on!
7. Posh
Definition
From a high social class.
Examples
“Her posh British accent gave an impression of entitlement that some found irritating.”
“His posh British accent stuck out in the crowd like a sore thumb.”
How it Adds Description
One of the stereotypes of a British accent is that it is “posh”. This can often give ideas that the person speaking is rich or upper class, and may be expected to look down on characters who may not be from the same background as them. However, looks can be deceiving and they may end up having a heart of gold!
8. Sarcastic
Definition
Making remarks that are deliberately the opposite of what you mean, either for humorous effect or to demean others.
Examples
“With a sarcastic British accent, he delivered such witty remarks that those around him were unsure whether to laugh or take offense.”
“Her British accent made her sarcastic comments cut even deeper than intended.”
How it Adds Description
Sarcasm is part of the British condition, and as such it stands to reason that you could describe their accent as “sarcastic”. Some characters and your reader might take this in good humor, whereas others who don’t know them as well may find them rude.
9. Soft-Spoken
Definition
Having a quiet and pleasant voice.
Examples
“Despite the large crowd, his soft-spoken British accent could be heard clearly, drawing people in with its understated charm and warmth.”
“Do not let looks deceive you. Behind that soft-spoken British accent is a ferocious beast of a woman.”
How it Adds Description
Characters with “soft-spoken” voices could be timid, or their accent could be at odds with their personality. Often characters with British accents that are “soft-spoken” are seen as compassionate and caring, or they may even reserve their softer side for characters that they care a lot about and no one else.
10. Trustworthy
Definition
Able to be trusted.
Examples
“Her trustworthy nature was reflected in her calm and measured British accent, which conveyed a sense of sincerity and reliability to all those who heard her speak.”
“There was something trustworthy and reassuring in his British accent that made the group feel that following him was a good idea.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes a British accent can seem very assuring, to the point where others may find it “trustworthy” by sound alone. This might make your reader wary on behalf of your characters as to whether they can trust their intentions.