Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I Did It Again!





What is wrong with me?!










 Years ago, while speaking on the phone with a hotel desk clerk, I was enjoying listening to her fancy British accent. We were in New Mexico so her British accent was rather unexpected. The problem is, I am a chameleon when it comes to accents, picking up the accent of those around me. Usually I can keep it in my head but sometimes it slips out. That's what happened with her. The last sentence I said to her came out in a British accent.... likely not a very good one! I'm sure she thought I was making fun of her but it wasn't intentional. Apparently I can not help myself!


(Photo of Big Ben by Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee, .from 
    freedigitalphotos.net)


Recently I was waiting in line at Hobby Lobby. I was listening to the clerk speak with the customer in front of me. The clerk had a sweet southern accent that just wrapped itself around me. When it was my turn to check out she asked me if I'd found everyting. I responded with something like, "Yes, thank-you. I sure did." That seems appropriate, right? Well, the problem is, it came out in an accent from the deep south.  I am not from the deep south. The clerk didn't seem to notice anything because of course she did not know my normal accent. Well, then I had a real predicament. If I spoke normally, she might think I had been making fun of her. If I continued in a southern accent on purpose it would be deceptive and likely not good enough to fool her anyway. So, for the rest of the conversation I just tried to be as non-verbal as possible, answering with smiles and nods. I didn't know what else to do! 

Have any of you ever done something like this? I would sure feel better if you could tell me I'm not alone in this weirdness.

10 comments:

Anne Marie said...

Wow, the wierd accent thing must run in the family somehow! Megan and I both have it. We often speak to each other in accents...usually one of the UK versions or Australian. We crack up when Chad tries it; he does not have accent talent and no matter which one he tries, he always sounds like a surfer dude! Megan does a great Indian accent also. I don't know if Megan has done it yet, but I have been embarrassed by slipping into accent before in front of someone. Was most difficult for me when we lived in Florida, where there are some very strong southern accents. I remember as a kid (pre-teen) trips we took to Texas a couple of times, and I would slip into that accent. My brother thought I was off my rocker, LOL! I have a British friend that I've caught myself speaking to with her accent...thankfully she wasn't insulted and just laughed at me!

Sue said...

Hmmm...maybe it is genetic. Anyone else?

EJN said...

Haa! Yes. Funny. I struggle with the same ailment. You must be a feeler.
have a great day, Susan.

Maria Rose said...

I inherited it from you!

Michelle said...

After a summer in Texas at age 13 I came home talking Texan. It sure doesn't take very long to pick it up, y'all.

Sue said...

Oh yes, I am starting to feel better for sure. I am in good company!

Mom said...

Sorry honey. At least you are better at it.

Sue said...

Really, I've come to believe the term, y'all, is very useful and efficient.

Unknown said...

You are hilarious. You aren't alone. I'd tell you more but then everyone would know and stop talking to me for fear of getting imitated as soon as their back was turned.

"Noon!" while looking pointedly at my watch is a good example. My sister used to announce it was time to eat with a quick one word sentence.

Sue said...

Ah huh...I am thinking you can probably do some pretty fun imitations.

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