The British accent has often been seen as one of the most attractive by Americans, with around a third of women expressing their admiration for the way men from Britain speak.
There are many charming British figures to admire, such as Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice” or Hugh Grant playing the Prime Minister in “Love Actually,” which has solidified the image of the elegant yet charming Englishman in popular culture.
However, not all British accents resemble the suave tones of James Bond or the refined speech of “Bridgerton.” Across the UK, there is a rich tapestry of regional dialects, each with its own unique sound.
Unfortunately, the British accent that often captivates women on screen and television tends to be the refined speech associated with wealth and private education. In contrast, the strong and sometimes difficult-to-understand Scouse accent, like that of Stephen Graham from “Adolescence,” receives less admiration.
A survey conducted by happn, involving 2000 participants, ranked major UK accents based on attractiveness, with results unfavorable for Liverpool, famously the home of the Beatles.
The Scouse accent, a blend of dialects from Liverpool and Merseyside, was deemed the least attractive. However, given Liverpool’s musical legacy, it’s clear this is a subjective view.
Fans of Dick Van Dyke in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” or those drawn to Michael Caine’s London accent might be disappointed to learn that the Cockney accent was ranked as the second least attractive in the UK, with only six percent of respondents expressing a preference for it.
The term ‘Cockney’ dates back to the 1300s for residents of the East End of London and is characterized by its distinctive rhyming slang.
The Brummy accent, familiar to viewers of “Peaky Blinders,” was ranked as the third least attractive accent in the UK.
Following these were the accents from Leeds and Essex. It becomes apparent from the survey that accents perceived as less attractive are often associated with the working class or areas historically linked to economic challenges.
Conversely, the survey identified Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish accents as the most appealing. However, within those categories, there are diverse dialects, such as Glaswegian or Highland Scottish.
With over 200 dialects in the UK, even a slight change in vowels can hint at one’s hometown. Given the complexity, it may be easier for American audiences to appreciate the upper-class tones of actors like Hugh Grant.