The key features of this accent are its non-rhoticity, meaning that the ‘r’ is dropped as in British English, as well as the pronunciation of ‘wh’ in words like ‘who’ or ‘when’ as [hw]. The letter ‘t’ in words was always enunciated, even in words like ‘butter’ when it’s often pronounced as [bʌdər] in American English.
Vowels sound differently in the Mid-Atlantic accent as well, with the most famous feature being the pronunciation of the letter ‘u’ as ‘you’ in words like ‘tube’ and ‘tune’. All of these features, apart from the non-rhoticity, which is common in the New England accent, are quite unnatural for modern spoken American English. Likewise, early 20th century American English didn’t have any of these features, which linguists can tell from recordings of the time.
Instead, the Transatlantic accent has always been the speech of the elites, kind of like RP English in the United Kingdom. Still, the Mid-Atlantic accent isn’t an American invention, as its origins can be traced back to an Australian phonetician William Tilly, who taught at Columbia University between 1918 and 1935.
Remember When These Famous Actors Looked Like THIS?
10 side-by-side pictures of our favorite actors showing how they looked now and then.
When Celebrities Met Their Younger Selves (20 Pics)
Enjoy this fun collection of pictures where famous celebs hang out with their younger selves.
Test Yourself: Guess The Actors in These Famous Movies
This is your chance to prove your knowledge of cinema history! Will you be able to guess all the actors from these famous movies?
Test Yourself: Guess The Actors in These Famous Movies!
This is your chance to prove your knowledge of cinema history! Will you be able to guess all the actors from these famous movies?
Dialect Coach Checks If Star Actors Can Shed Their Accents
How hard is it for actors to fake an accent in a specific role? Language coach Erik Singer explains this on 32 examples from famous films.
How About Learning Some Fun SLANG From Colonial Times?
Here are 14 fascinating words from Colonial times that sadly didn’t survive until the present days, but we certainly think they’re worth bringing back!
Unveiling the Great Achievements of the Han Dynasty
In this article, we’ll explore the great achievements of the Han Dynasty, examine how they shaped the future of China
2024 is Here! And This is Why You Should Be Excited for It
2024 is here! And this is why you should be excited for it.
10 Incredible People You Never Heard Of!
Here are 10 people who have, in their own ways, saved countless lives and at times, the entire planet. They deserve to be known.
Can You Guess the Meaning of These 20 Common Surnames?
We kind of take surnames for granted, as they are just passed down to us. But every name has an origin and meaning, and some might surprise you.
Phrases We Use Without Realizing It’s a Shakespeare Quote
William Shakespeare had a huge impact on modern English, so much so that most of us are quoting the great bard every day without even realizing it!
Unseen & Rare Photos from History You Will Love
We bet you haven’t seen these amazing historical photos before.
Can The Mysterious Voynich Manuscript Ever be Cracked?
This is the world's most mysterious book, written by an unknown author in a singular alphabet and illustrated with puzzling images. What is its secret?
Watch 1,000 People Got Their Eyesight Restored
A YouTuber helped sponsor the treatment of 1,000 blind people. Here are their reactions.
History: The Full Story of Napoleon's Epic Defeat
The full story of the battles Napoleon fought that eventually lead to his ultimate defeat.
These Photos Prove How Strange of a Country South Korea Is
The following images illustrate how strange of a place Korea is.
Men vs. Women: What Does the Science Say?
10 studies and articles that dive into the real differences between the sexes, asking the meaningful questions and looking at real data.
You'll Need a Second Look For THESE Photos...
These fascinating photo illusions will make you believe like you're seeing one thing, but they actually depict something very different
50 Unknown Facts About Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile
Cleopatra is one of the most fascinating figures from history. And there’s still so many things about her you don’t know yet.
Who Said You Can't Train Cats?
Suki the cat is getting some agility training. If you thought cats cannot be trained, this is documented proof that notion is false. You just need to give them the right motivation, or in other words - use food...
Have You Been Believing These Christmas Myths Too?
Read on for several myths about Christmas stories and traditions.
Meet the Sweet Girl With a ‘Benjamin Button’ Condition
Meet Isla Kilpatrick-Screaton, the only girl in the world with 'Benjamin Button' disease.
The True Story of Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb
Before you head to the theaters to watch Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, find out the real story of the “father of the atomic bomb”.
Beautiful! All Dog Lovers Can Relate to This Touching Poem
Any dog lover can relate to this touching poem by Jimmy Stewart about his beloved dog Beau. Send this poem to those you know who love dogs too.
A Fascinating History of the New Year’s Eve
Did you know that New Year's hasn’t always been celebrated on January 1?
Genghis Khan: Brutal Mass Murderer, or Enlightened Ruler?
Genghis Khan is one of the most famed and feared names in history, but how did he become so great?
These Archaeological Finds Reveal Incredible Stories
These latest excavations and fascinating finds will fascinate you.
Ancient Technologies That Remain a Complete Mystery
Scientists may have solved the mystery of Egyptian pyramids, but there are still so many findings that are left completely unexplained
History is Full of Strong and Brave Women...
33 photos of the bravest and strongest women in history who changed the world and made it better. These women all had to fight for what they achieved, and some suffered for it as well.
These Female Celebs Have Aged Like Fine Wine (28 Pics)
These female celebrities are aging just like fine wine.
Wishing You a GREAT 4th OF JULY! Celebrate America!
Be proud of being an American and share one of these meaningful 4th of July cards with everyone. HAVE A GREAT 4TH OF JULY!
10 Truly Bizarre Facts About Life in Ancient Rome
Chances are, you would be shocked if you traveled through time and suddenly appeared in Ancient Rome, as these 10 bizarre facts surely prove.
Watch This Card Magician Make Penn and Teller’s Jaws Drop
Everybody knows colored light can make things appear different, but can it actually permanently paint them? This magician believes it can.
Our World Is Amazing, As These Pictures Will Show You
Although life can get you down sometimes, seeing just one little thing can make all the difference. Here are 20 photos to remind you how awesome our world is.
The Epic Battle of Stalingrad Comes to Life
One of the most epic battles in history, and the biggest of WWII comes to life and explored in this in-depth video.
10 Decisions That Changed World History Forever
Did you know that world history has often been changed by decisions that were taken in a split second? Here are 10 that changed world history forever.
These Borders Exist Longer Than the Countries They Divide
International borders are among the most rapidly changing geographical phenomena, but these borders 5 proved to be exceptionally persistent
Here Are 18 Facts That Are Bound to Blow Your Mind!
Here are 18 amazing facts that you won't be forgetting anytime soon!
These 10 Invaluable World Treasures Were Never Recovered
All 10 of these valuable treasures have a mysterious fate, as they were all stolen or lost not so long ago and never recovered
Looking for a New Hobby? Learn How to Crochet
This playlist will teach you the basic skills you will need to successfully navigate the world of crocheting.
Was The First Famous War Photo in History Staged?
“The Valley of the Shadow of Death” is the first famous war photo in history, but journalists started questioning its genuineness. Was this famous photo staged?
Do You Remember Playing Like These Photographed Children?
In the days before cellphones, the internet, and the like, we children had to learn how to make our fun. Remember playing like these retro kids?
Learn All About Herodotus, the Father of History
Learn all about Herodotus, and how he came to be known as the 'Father of History' in this informative video.
51 of the Tastiest Cheeses From All Over the World!
In this article you’ll find 51 of the tastiest cheeses from around the world. Some you have probably heard of, while others will be totally new to you!
Monica Lewinsky: I Paid The Price of Shame...
We all connect the name Monica Lewinsky with shame, what is it like being the one at the other end of this story?
Here Are 14 Things We Bet You Never Knew About Chocolate!
How much do we really know about chocolate? Here are 14 things we bet you didn’t know about chocolate!