What do people here think of "vocal fry"? That low, creaky manner of speaking that has been largely adopted by American women approximately between the ages of 13-35 in the past several years? Some young males use it also, but not nearly as widespread. I myself find it grating, but it is so prevalent now that I think we're pretty much stuck with it. This also begs the question as to how such vocal affectations spread so widely and so rapidly as to simply become part of the landscape, so to speak. As a Boomer, I am older than younger people, so I'm wondering if younger people just accept this speech mannerism as a matter of course or if some find it grating as well. Or if they simply don't notice it. If anyone reading this speaks in this manner I mean no offense, but I am curious to understand the popularity of this affectation.

Vocal Fry:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_LmC-ynqGM

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Admittedly, my cuz sounds like her.

I had no idea what it was called (until now). It reminds me of my 14 year old granddaughter.



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A related phenomenon to vocal fry is "uptalking" which is also widespread among the same female demographic (though I have heard some males use it also). Uptalking is the habit of phrasing declarative sentences as if they were questions. "I work at the Stop & Shop?". "I will come to your house at 6 O clock tonight?". The last word of the sentence rises as if the statement were a question.  It's maddening. It is often used in a subtle way as if to imply the listener might not understand the statement, or if the speaker is unsure of what the reaction to the statement will be. Or sometimes just for no reason whatsoever. Like vocal fry, uptalking caught on like wildfire. Where do these trends originate and how do they get so widespread among the young female demographic? I have heard explanations like "The Kardashians talk like that and young girls emulate them". Well, the Kardashians had to get it from somewhere. There's got to be a point zero. People who study these trends always seem to point to the "valley speak" of the 80s, made notorious by Frank Zappa in his 80's hit "Valley Girl" ("gag me with a spoon!"), but this strikes me as lazy. Neither vocal fry nor uptalking sound all that much like valley girl speak of the 80s.

I've heard many people speak that way, didn't know there is a term for it though lol. I don't find it annoying or anything and it doesn't bother me. But, I'm just very easy going I guess so nothing much really bothers me anyway. I do not speak in Vocal Fry, my voice is too small and high pitched haha lol.

v7ruqL_ahsM

Admittedly, my cuz sounds like her.

0bScghztshY Check out the spoof of her near the end of this video.

I don't think I've IRL heard anyone talk this way intentionally.  ???

A related phenomenon to vocal fry is "uptalking" which is also widespread among the same female demographic (though I have heard some males use it also). Uptalking is the habit of phrasing declarative sentences as if they were questions. "I work at the Stop & Shop?". "I will come to your house at 6 O clock tonight?". The last word of the sentence rises as if the statement were a question.  It's maddening. It is often used in a subtle way as if to imply the listener might not understand the statement, or if the speaker is unsure of what the reaction to the statement will be. Or sometimes just for no reason whatsoever. Like vocal fry, uptalking caught on like wildfire. Where do these trends originate and how do they get so widespread among the young female demographic? I have heard explanations like "The Kardashians talk like that and young girls emulate them". Well, the Kardashians had to get it from somewhere. There's got to be a point zero. People who study these trends always seem to point to the "valley speak" of the 80s, made notorious by Frank Zappa in his 80's hit "Valley Girl" ("gag me with a spoon!"), but this strikes me as lazy. Neither vocal fry nor uptalking sound all that much like valley girl speak of the 80s.


Uptalking was popularized by us Canadians haha. This is so common now, among both males and females, that it's more or less considered a feature of standard Canadian English. ;D (I think the same is true for Australia).

I guess you could call it "raccoon voice."

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I don't think I've IRL heard anyone talk this way intentionally.  ???


I think some do it intentionally as an imitation of their "idols" such as Kim Kardashian or Britney Spears, and some just "pick it up" the way one might acquire the accent of a region they have relocated to. Either way, when one utilizes an affectation long enough it simply becomes part of them and they don't even know they are doing it anymore.