Inspired by another thread. Is accent mocking ever OK ?

[toddymummy]

This one has always bothered me. Being from mixed European heritage, but not having an accent myself- I have found myself the subject of accent/ gesture mocking many times.

It doesn't happen as much anymore as it used to,say 10-15 years ago, but it does occasionally happen.

Is it ever OK ? People mock all kinds of accents- Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French, Italian, German.

It really bugs me, especially if it's done repeatedly and especially if it's done at work.

AIBU ?

@Elsiebear90

I personally don’t like it, I think it makes a difference if your accent is one that is generally liked or is one that almost universally hated.

My accent is in the latter category, and it never seems good natured, it’s always been done (usually by so called middle class people) as a way to mock and to show that I don’t pronounce words “properly”, or in a lecturing kind of way, where people try to inform me I’m pronouncing the word wrong.

I agree with this - I think it's always pretty witless, but with certain accents it becomes pretty hateful. I live in a fairly posh bit of the south east and when people imitate/mock northern accents or (more common) an estuary accent it isn't done with affection and it's usually pretty obviously classist.

Oh blimey

We’re terrible for accents

What’s for tea? On the style of Dave from the Royle Family

Would you like a cup of tea, oh go on then in the style of Mrs Doyle, Father Ted, also from this ‘kicking up the arse, small or far away.

Also depending on who I’m talking to, in measuring terms a shed is either ten by twelve or a tan be twalve- depends which side of the border I’m on.

I meant that I don't have a foreign accent by the way everyone.

I was born in one country, my parents are from another country, I've lived most of my life in England though

When people ask where I'm from I tell them I'm from London and some people I meet from all over the country tell me I'm not when in my birth country if I tell people I'm from there they also often don't believe me. Every once in a while I meet someone from there in the UK and they detect it instantly, it's weird. Always found regional accents fascinating

I can also switch to birth country accent and my parents accent at will but I wouldn't do it with a stranger from those countries in case they thought I was taking the piss

I meant that I don't have a foreign accent by the way everyone.

That's what I assumed you meant

@Haveyoubrushedyourteethtoday

I imitate all the time when the kids ask me what’s for dinner. Curry in a Indian accent, bolognese in an Italian accent, Pho, Kabab, bangers and mash, tacos etc. They tell me it’s racist but I don’t agree. There’s a difference between imitation and mocking.

I think your kids are right that this is racist. It's also incredibly tedious...

@nokidshere

It's like all of these things those isn't it? You need to know your audience. I am a northerner, my sons and dh are southerners and we take the Micky out of certain words or phrases. My flat As are a constant source of amusement to them apparently I live near Bath but they live near Barth.

We wouldn't do it to people we don't know or in a professional environment but it's not something that causes any of us distress or annoyance generally.

I think it depends on how t's done too, how far you are going and whether you know when you have gone too far/too long/constant and you actually need to stop.

And it depends on how touchy people are. If no one ever mentions your accent and it happens occasionally within the family wo the wish of putting down the other person, it can be joke.
If you are on the receiving end of constant comments oustide home, get xenophobic comments etc... and it's not clear whether the 'joke' is actually a joke or a putting down, then it's unlikely to be well received, regardless of whether it's family or not.

@WheelieBinPrincess

Not sure, my party trick is switching on my broad Norfolk accent (grew up there, don’t have the accent but can do a brilliant imitation)

I do it with love because I love Norfolk but it’s a very strange and amusing accent that most people can’t imitate.

This isn't amusing. It's offensive snobbery. You're too posh to have the regional accent and you're mocking those that do.

My brother-in-law is known to "mimic" my accent.
Not only is it rude as hell, it's technically wrong. He puts on an American accent from someone from NY or Boston but I'm from the southwest so my accent is Texan/Mexican. If he's going to be a twat, he could at least do it right!

@OneTC, It's amazing isn't it?

I found many people are struggling with the fact they can't pinpoint you in that easy way 'You are coming from ' rather than being a mix of origins.

@Haveyoubrushedyourteethtoday

I imitate all the time when the kids ask me what’s for dinner. Curry in a Indian accent, bolognese in an Italian accent, Pho, Kabab, bangers and mash, tacos etc. They tell me it’s racist but I don’t agree. There’s a difference between imitation and mocking.

Jesus Christ this is definitely racist.

I find it exceptionally rude. I would never make fun of someone else's accent. It's completely unnecessary. I'm Scottish and have lived in England and the USA. It's unpleasant to be on the receiving end of someone mocking the way you speak.

@madisonbriges- my sounding different
Isn’t that what the thread is about, sounding different?

Jokes are fine. It’s not always mockery or bullying. As a brummie, I’m ready for it!

@3scape

It shows very clearly that the person doing the mocking has very little experience of the world and few interpersonal skills.

Yes, exactly. The kind of English person who thought they were being terribly witty imitating my accent would generally move onto stage-Oirish stereotypes — did I have thirteen siblings and live on spuds in a bog being lashed by nuns with rosary beads? Did I have a fridge? Was I in the IRA?

This type usually also appear to believe they ‘don’t have an accent’.

I'm Welsh, sometimes get it occasionally at work, or with friends, never bothers me, although I wish people wouldn't say "indeed to goodness", " boyo" or other things I've never heard a Welsh person say.

It’s never ok. I’ve had various friends mock my unusual accent. It is done in a friendly way but I absolutely hate it because it makes me feel like I will always be an outsider.

"mocking" is never polite or respectful, is it?

Therefore, don't fucking do it.

It depends on who to, what's said and how it's said.

My husband is Scottish. I'm English.

It's a constant mock fest here.

I’m Irish. I’ve never had my accent mocked respectfully. It’s racist.

One of my most embarrassing moments is when a partner at my firm mocked my manchester accent in front of a packed office. It made me hesitant to speak up in meetings or for staff briefings.

I work in a professional environment and I'm one of the only people working here with a regional accent so it felt very personal.

@YalaYalaDingDong

It happens to me very often when I travel down south, especially the SE. I'm Scottish and it's infuriating to have my sentences repeated back to me with dreadful attempts at a Scottish accent. I'm often called "Lassie" or "Jock" and if I hear one more "och aye the noo", someone's getting smacked!!

100% this. And definitely more in the SE / Home Counties.

Comments about the "Sweaties" (sweaty sock = jock ), och aye the noo, Donald where's your troooooosers, see you jimmy....

It is offensive and it is done as a put down. We southerners are SO much better than you backward "sweaties" with your tartan hats and stupid way of speaking.

How is it racist? Look up the word.

Don't care as I am not one of the offended cultures thank heavens!

It is racist

www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/race-discrimination