Oh, you guys are going to like this one. My guest today, Jan Fischer-Wade, discusses the allure of the British accent. Sigh.... Her new book is Veiled Virtues, a teen romantic fantasy with some paranormal elements.
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Why are British Accents so Dang Hot???
Okay, I’ll be the first one to admit it. If I hear a guy with a British accent, something inside me just melts, Ahhhh. This was part of the reason I sent the heroine in my new book, Veiled Virtues, to England. And connecting that accent to a handsome, muscular hero – a modern day knight – well, let’s just say OMG!
Some will point out that there are numerous “British” accents, and that is fine. I love ‘em all – Scottish, Cockney, Welsh, Brummie – whatever! [Side Note: Even the IT guys my company use in Northern Ireland can turn a computer problem into a wonderful afternoon telephone chat.] But, I think what I am probably most referring to is that upper class English accent – think Colin Firth in ‘Pride and Prejudice’. He kept us all swooning, right?
This list of sexy Brits (with their yummy accents) can go on and on - Jude Law, Robert Pattinson, Daniel Radcliffe (its okay people, he’s of-age now), Orlando Bloom, Hugh Grant, Ewan McGregor, Paul Bettany… Oh, and of course DAVID BECKHAM!! Have you seen that new McDonald’s ad??? Even the middle-age male manager swoons!
Even the movies have caught on to this phenomenon. In “Love Actually” the slightly bug-eyed and awkward young Englishman Colin Frizzle strikes out with girls left and right on his home turf of London. Determined that he is a Love God simply “on the wrong continent,” he takes his self-admitted “cute English accent” and travels to the United States to find a girlfriend with the realization that “Stateside I am Prince William without the weird family.” Next, he’s “on shag highway heading west.” Colin lands in Wisconsin, has a taxi take him to the nearest bar, orders a Budweiser, and finds not one, but three girls who fawn over him and his accent. Needless to say, he returns to London, with an American girlfriend in tow. If you haven’t seen “Love Actually” – do it now! I love, love, love this movie! Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, and a whole host of others star in this movie. Rowan Atkinson’s bit is particularly funny!
So, what is it about the accent? Does it indicate chivalry? Money? Manners? Alluring stranger from another country – a bit exotic yet safe?
Or, like so many things, did it all start with the Beatles?
We may never be able to pinpoint the ‘why’ but regardless, if you swoon at an English accent, are lured to English men for any other reason, or the thought of a strong, hot, modern day knight sets your insides aglow, check out my book, Veiled Virtues!
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Well, I'm sold! You can purchase Veiled Virtues (for the special price of $1.99!) at Amazon, at MuseItUp, and many other venues.
If you go to Jan's blog and leave a comment, you can enter to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!
What a great post, Jan, from this Scot! Funnily enough someone in England mentioned my husband's 'lovely Scottish accent' on the phone recently. So even over here in the UK, we notice different regional accents! Have to agree about most of the male stars you mentioned. Veiled Virtues sounds great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemary! I'm curious, what do Scots / Great Britainers think of American 'accents'? See, to me, I don't think I have one, you guys do! But to you, I am sure we have one and you don't! Funny.....
ReplyDeleteI love the "posh" English accent. It's sooooo cool. When I meet someone who has one, I have this horrible, almost irresistible urge to imitate them, LOL. :D Americans do have an accent, but I'm not so sure the British think it's hot like we think theirs is. *sniff*
ReplyDeleteI had a British friend in grad school who told me he believed he got special opportunities and greater respect at an American school because of his accent. He found this very amusing, and went right ahead and took advantage of it!
ReplyDeleteI swoon over the British accent, too. Especially Ewan's. I think it has got to do with the English sense of humour as well. But in certain regions, their accents are quite thick and I'd be lost without subtitles. ('Love Actually' is one of the best X'mas movies ever!)
ReplyDeleteI once worked for a British fellow, and I'd lose track of what he was telling me to do--that accent!
ReplyDeleteAussie accents for me. Hugh Jackman (ahhh!)
ReplyDeleteI had a long-time internet buddy from England. We went to GB finally and she said she'd put us up for a night. I had to ask her (via email): "Will I be able to understand you?" She replied that she spoke with a BBC newscaster accent. I had no problem understanding her at all. I did have a problem with a pub barkeep. I'm afraid I didn't get a word he said (Cockney?)
Hah, no argument here. What a fun post. I've never seen Love Actually, but I do own Pride & Prejudice with Colin Firth. Tonight might be a good night for re-watching.
ReplyDeleteI with you! I love the accents. :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, the english accent is sexxxyyy!! Except for the guy on my GPS. He is just plain irritating.
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