New Jersey’s accent No. 1 least desirable in the U.S., new study shows

NEW JERSEY – Research by Preply, an accent classes provider, conducted a study on U.S. accents, and the New Jersey accent stood out, though perhaps not for the reasons Jersey natives might hope.

The Jersey accent, recognizable for turning “water” into “wooder” and making—even the calmest conversation—sound like a lively debate at the family dinner table, has unquestionably made its mark. In the composition of American accents, it’s the bold, high-tempo solo that you can’t ignore—catchy, distinctive, and unforgettable.

The study rounded up the country’s accents, and New Jersey’s unique dialect strutted straight to the top…of the list of ‘least desirable’ accents. Its high volume, nasal tones, and fifth-gear speed seem to come off as “a bit much” to some, earning it the position of America’s blue cheese of accents—loud, punchy, and a bit of an acquired taste.

Despite this, every Jersey native knows that their dialect is a badge of pride: it’s sure to turn heads, start conversations, and never, ever blend into the background.

As evidenced by the study, the three least appealing accents include:

• New Jerseyan (New Jersey): Known for strong vowels and unique persona, many listeners perceive it as nasal, fast-paced, or brash.
  
• Mid-Atlantic: Its inflection gathers both acclaim (clear, transatlantic quality) and criticism (viewed as feigned), and it isn’t geographically localized.
  
• Southern Ohioan (Southern Ohio): Defined by a bland, flat tone, which may be perceived as boring.

As specified by the study, the top three desired U.S. accents and their enticing elements are:

• Southern: This accent, due to its peaceful, lyrical vowels, carries the charm and hospitality of the South, making it warm and welcoming.
  
• Western: The serene, clear tone, reminiscent of the relaxed Western U.S. lifestyle
  
• Cajun: A colorful and standalone blend of French and English forms the Cajun accent’s uniqueness.

From least to most desirable regional accents in the U.S., here is the complete ranking:

1. New Jerseyan
2. Mid-Atlantic
3. Southern Ohioan
4. New Yorker
5. Chicagoan
6. Long Islander
7. Philadelphian
8. Floridian
9. Pacific Northwesterner
10. Yooper
11. Upper Midwesterner
12. Southern Californian
13. Chicano
14. Alabamian
15. Mainer
16. Appalachian
17. Bostonian
18. Georgian
19. Geechee
20. Texan
21. Hawaiian
22. Cajun
23. Western
24. Southern
    

For the complete dataset, detailed breakdown of the accents’ specific features and perks, click here.