Eric Clayton
G’day! If you’re looking to master the Australian accent and want to know how to say “What” in a true blue Aussie way, you’ve come to the right place. The Australian accent is known for its unique pronunciation and slang, so we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of saying “What” in this guide, as well as some tips, examples, and regional variations to help you perfect your Aussie twang.
Formal Ways of Saying “What”
When speaking formally or in more professional settings, Australians typically use standard English pronunciations for the word “What.” Here are a few examples:
1. Wha-at: Pronouncing “What” with a slightly elongated “a” sound, stretching it out to emphasize the question.
2. Whut: An alternative way of pronouncing “What” with a shorter, more clipped “a” sound.
3. Whaht: This pronunciation carries a more formal tone, with a slightly softer “a” sound and a slight emphasis on the “h” sound at the end.
It’s important to note that the formality of the situation will often determine how Australians pronounce “What.” In more formal situations, such as business meetings or official gatherings, Australians may adopt a more standard pronunciation closer to what you’d find in other English-speaking countries.
Informal Ways of Saying “What”
When it comes to informal conversations, Australians tend to use distinct slang and shortcuts, which add character to their accents. Here are a few informal ways of saying “What” that you might encounter:
1. Wot
Example: “Wot are you doing later?”
In casual speech, Australians often shorten “What” to “Wot,” pronouncing it with a short “o” sound. It is one of the most common and recognizable informal variations of “What” in the Australian accent.
2. Whatcha
Example: “Whatcha think of the cricket match?”
“Whatcha” is another informal way of saying “What” in Australian English. It is a contraction of “What are you,” where the “a” in “are” is often dropped. This slang term is commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
3. ‘Sif
Example: “What’s he doing?’Sif I know!”
In a more casual and playful context, Aussies might use “‘Sif” as an abbreviated form of “What if.” It’s often used to express disbelief or rhetorical questioning, adding a laid-back and slangy flavor to the conversation.
Regional Variations
Australia is a vast country, and accents can vary across different regions. While the pronunciation of “What” doesn’t differ significantly among regions, there are some nuanced variations you might encounter:
1. Strine Accent (Broad Australian English)
The Strine accent represents a more exaggerated and colloquial form of Australian English. In this accent, “What” might sound closer to “Wotcha” or even “Wotch-ee,” with the “t” sound at the end being emphasized.
2. Queensland and Northern Territory Accent
In these regions, the word “What” might be pronounced with a slight nasal quality, sounding more like “Whet” or “Wert.”
3. South Australian and Victorian Accent
Here, you might hear “What” pronounced with a more rounded vowel sound, making it closer to “Wort” or “Wart.”
These variations add regional flair to the Australian accent, but they are not crucial to mastering the general Australian pronunciation of “What.” It’s best to focus on the common pronunciations mentioned earlier.
Tips for Perfecting the Australian Accent
Now that you know some of the different ways Australians say “What,” here are a few tips to help you perfect your Australian accent:
- Listen to native speakers: Immerse yourself in Australian media, such as movies, TV shows, and podcasts, to pick up the nuances of the accent.
- Practice vowel sounds: Familiarize yourself with the distinct Australian vowel sounds and practice them regularly to achieve an authentic accent.
- Embrace slang: Learn common Australian slang words and phrases to add an Aussie touch to your speech.
- Record yourself: Practice speaking and record yourself to compare your pronunciation to that of native speakers. It will help you identify areas for improvement.
- Imitate: Try imitating the speech patterns and pronunciation of Australian accents to enhance your own.
Remember, mastering an accent takes time and practice. The Australian accent is known for its friendliness and warmth, so don’t be afraid to have some fun while learning.
So, whether you’re planning a trip Down Under, want to sound like your favorite Aussie actor, or just love the unique Australian accent, this guide has provided you with the knowledge and tips to say “What” authentically in an Australian way. Good on ya, mate, and give it a fair dinkum go!
