Understanding 'Posh': A British Accent That Stands Out

The term poser (often misspelled as “posh”) is a colloquial term used in British English to describe a person who is perceived to have social pretensions, often based on their accent or mannerisms.

Posh typically refers to an accent that is associated with upper-class backgrounds, especially in the context of regional accents. However, it’s important to clarify that the term is often used pejoratively, and the perception of an accent as 'poser' can vary widely depending on the context and individual attitudes.

The Prestige of Hartlepool's Accent

One particular regional accent that stands out as being more “upper class” than Received Pronunciation (RP) is the accent associated with the cultural center of the North East, specifically Hartlepool. Unlike West Hartlepool, which has gained a significant following in the national imagination, the original and traditionally respected Hartlepool (locally known as “The Headland”) has a unique dialect that is both distinctive and of distinction.

Despite its humble origins, the dialect of Hartlepool has the power to open doors to any society or career. One memorable episode exemplifies this power: the late Queen Elizabeth II was known to use one of Hartlepool’s distinctive expressions during a visit to the town. As she stopped at Verrill’s for fish and chips, she vehemently exclaimed, “Tara well!” This colloquialism not only highlighted the cultural background of the local residents but also helped bridge the gap between the royal figure and the working-class people of the town.

Such expressions and the overall accent remain hallmarks of a rich cultural heritage, making Hartlepool a significant center of linguistic pride and distinction.

The Evolution of British Accents

It's widely believed that there’s a perception that British accents are more refined or upper-class, a phenomenon that may be traced back to Victorian times and possibly even earlier. While there is no doubt that these perceptions exist, it is crucial to recognize that they have evolved over time.

For instance, if one compares early recordings of the late Queen’s speech to her more recent public addresses, there is a clear change in her delivery and pronunciation. This slight shift can be more pronounced to Britons who have grown accustomed to hearing the Queen’s more formal pronunciations and mannerisms.

Received Pronunciation and Social Status

The term Received Pronunciation (RP) is the traditional standard accent of the English language. It is often associated with the upper classes and educated individuals, given that it is primarily spoken by graduates from Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Historically, there was a significant divide between RP and regional accents. In particular, people with broad Yorkshire accents were not allowed to be heard on national broadcasts such as the BBC unless they were in comedy shows. This belief was so prevailing that it was thought that an accent had to have sufficient gravitas to warrant a serious role in news and current affairs programs.

Today, these strict rules are long gone, and the acceptance of various regional accents on national television has expanded significantly. However, the perception of different accents as more or less refined remains a topic of ongoing debate and discussion.