30th March 2020

West Country accent considered fifth most attractive in British Isles

The West Country accent has come fifth out of twelve of the main accents of the British Isles seen as either attractive or unattractive by the public according to a national survey YouGov.

The survey found that 63% of the older generation consider the West Country accent as the most attractive compared to 22% of 18-24 year olds.

It’s quite the opposite for Northern Irish as 54% of 18-24 year olds see it as attractive compared to 37% of over 60s.

Geordie (Newcastle) has also been found to have a greater appeal to the older generation.

Southern Irish came out top followed by Received Pronunciation and Welsh whereas Brummie (Birmingham) is considered the least attractive accent ahead of Scouse (Liverpool) and Mancunian (Manchester).

The survey found that there is a tendency to like ones own with people in London scoring Cockney higher.

First impressions of unearned features, such as accents, still have an impact on success, in employment, social life and elsewhere.