What does the American accent sound like to the Irish?

Question

Many questions like this have been posted but I wanted a fresh answer. I'm from Florida and just wondered if the southern accent is irritating, easy on the ears, unintelligent sounding, etc.? I have really wondered if it makes us sound stupid, I would hate that :( Do you like when people from the U.S. visit Ireland and like talking with them and such?

Answer 1

I love the florida accent its very soft and not as irritating as a new york accident. The peole in the southern states are mannerly and friendly and I found them to be very considerate and helpfull. Was in florida and NYC two years ago and loved it, the accents dont matter, however i found that new yorkers were rude and ignorant and would talk about you in earshot without having the guts to come up to you and speak their mind, that is so ignorant . I asked for directions in NYC and was told to F*** off and buy a map, whereas in florida people take the time to help you. Which is why I am going back for 2 weeks this year, but I am not going to NYC.

Answer 2

I think that any strong accent sounds irritating and unintelligent... makes you think of someone that never left the village where he was born. But I'm sure that if you are not stupid and say smart things nobody would think you are an idiot!

Answer 3

i love the southern accent. I love all the american accents. American people are really sound and friendly. Put your mind at ease - your accent does NOT sound stupid. If anything, the Irish accent (west of ireland) sounds boggish compared to an american accent !!

Answer 4

I like the American accent, good to hear someone talk at a slower speed, its nearly relaxing.   I've never been to Florida, so I don't know how your accent might differ from the States I have been in. I don't think any accent sounds unintelligent either, its what the person says that makes them sound unintelligent.

The Americans I've met in Dublin either are apologising for their president or telling us we're all mad for not supporting their 'war on terror' because 'you don't understand the full picture'. I'm sure I'll meet a few more over for St Paddy's this weekend.  Should be fun.  Its always good to hear different points of view on life, especially non political ones (because we'll never agree)

I don't have an Irish surname so I'm not asked about my uncle Micheal from Kiltimach(thank god). So i don't have to feign interest in their family tree. But good for them for looking into their past.

Answer 5

No, I think the Southern US accent is very nice.

One thing that people from the US do is go on about their Irish heritage - I'm sorry dear, but we just aren't that interested. I was on a train in Portugal last year and this woman was there 'My family are the Kinsellas from Dublin' as if I'd flipping well know them .....

That's one of three things that they talk about that annoy me. The other two are the war with Iraq and their often very misguided take on Irish history and Ireland's modern relationship with Britain.

But luckily those two subjects are not usually part of the run-of-the-mill conversation, which is good, because there are so many other things to talk about, and it's interesting to get the US perspective on these.

Answer 6

to be honest i find the accent quite annoying, however the people are cool! they worshipped me for being irish!

Answer 7

Its a lovely accent :) would much much rather that than listening to a Cork or Kilkenny accent any day !! ;)

Answer 8

i find it hilarious! when i was in california last year all me my dad and my sister could do whenever someone tried to talk to us was laugh! and yes i do find it unintelligent and irritating! when you come please don't look american tat is just the WORST thing you could possibly do!

Answer 9

The Carolina's accent ia lovely to listen to.

I like the Florida accent (although I couldn't understand much of what a ft. lauderdale taxi driver had to say last month, but that's just him).

People in the southern states are so nice and friendly, very warm people.