Why do Americans attribute having a British accent to being more intelligent?

Question

They automatically add 10 IQ points to how smart they think a person is if they have a British accent 😂

Texaskid1 · Accepted Answer

Mehh... the Britsih accent is overrated. Although if they are posh ( rich) it does have a nice ring to it. But keep in mind that most Americans are only exposed to the British accent thanks to Hollywood movies which presents the accents of the upper crust. In reality the accent of the average working class Brit is ugly as fuck.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Because you are prone to exageration?

Nicolette777 · Accepted Answer

As a British person myself, I can tell you will absolute certainty that most of England doesn’t sound how you think. If they talk like the queen, then yes. If they have a Gordie or Birmingham UK accent, deduct 10 points

CarrieBlossum · Accepted Answer

Americans attribute intelligence to high class British accents because high class people are generally better educated. In the same way people attribute intelligence to high class American accents like FDR's.

NorthShoreCalling · Answer

I don’t know why everyone is running down the British people here. Yes there are those that aren’t too bright (like anywhere), but it’s only fair to say I know quite a few fairly intelligent people too.

Astarlessnightsky · Answer

Well, europeans substract 20-30 points from the IQ because of someone has a British accent. Maybe Americans have never seen brits on Mallorca or anywhere else during their vacation

Historylover18 · Answer

Because when you mention British people, people think of the standard British accent which was an upper class posh accent. I think that one sounds intelligent but also a bit snobbish. If you hear the Birmingham or Cockney accents you'll have a different view of how intelligent British accents sound

Nikki1989 · Answer

Because a lot of Americans have this idea that most British people have an upper-class posh accent, so they must be well-educated.

Flower7 · Answer

Because most of their experiences with people who have British accents were just from seeing them on TV, not actual real life experiences with them.

beebella · Answer

I've never thought that. 😂 But maybe it's the accent coupled with some of the language they use that makes them seem more intelligent. 🤔

andreasderjuengere · Answer

The added points are justified:
they are generated from 'language intelligence' - which articulates in 'proper', 'traditional' spelling and solid grammar :D
The British 'accent' is the acoustic indication for this.

razzamatazzp01 · Answer

I personally don't think that, and I don't know anyone who does. if there is someone who thinks that way, it's because they've never actually met an English person, and see them exclusively on television using big words.

alice55 · Answer

Maybe cause British accent sound posh? (I always hear American saying this). While to me as a French British accents sound extremely arrogant and like an accents of a pretentious old woman.

broken_heart_at_48 · Answer

Not true. Your question implies all Americans think that way. Well me personally I think the majority are pompous self absorbed condesinding jerks. Which any one with a higher IQ would know how to get along in life without behaving in such a manner.

jennifer_bloom · Answer

I don't really care - I just compliment people for it cause I like saying good things about others - it fosters friendship

ZackBan · Answer

It's kinda like how Brits remove a 100 iq points to American guys

Ally247 · Answer

There's hundreds of accents within Britain but they're not wrong 🤷🏻‍♀️

Meatunnel69 · Answer

I can't explain why but as an American it’s true unless its an aussie accident then they sound like America’s equal or even irish who sound like dum fuks

themomo84 · Answer

I enjoy hearing a decent accent, but I don't attribute intelligence to it.

Corerue · Answer

Because an accent is exotic and it gets cool/attractive points. But smarter? Lol never heard that before.

IsenhowerJ · Answer

Because the British accent sounds cool and intelligent. Why we think, I don't know, but the British accent does sound better than ours.

locoloco68 · Answer

I don't think of them being more intelligent remind me of Benny Hill

goaded · Answer

They're also the bad guys in American movies, though.

joethemoe912 · Answer

Lmao when I was like 10 I thought brits were evil because I thought they were like all the imperials from star wars.

AynonOMouse · Answer

I don't know, but British accents sure do match with an evil villain in movies.

Walrus_au · Answer

Maybe because they are coming to an understanding that intelligence and education are being rejected and attacked in American culture.

Matt57 · Answer

I wouldn’t know. I think it’s cute, but not anything more than that.

Anonymous · Answer

Don't know considering there are so many British accents including Scottish accents

hafinjun · Answer

So that brings em to 20? No im kidding, i can't answer this i always thought the accent was sexy

MoscowMitch · Answer

UK here. haha, if only it were true. Most of us are dumb as salt, especially the ones who went expensive schools.

drummerdude25 · Answer

A lot of dumb Americans out there! 😂

Anonymous · Answer

I think in Britain the average Iq is slightly higher than in the US and education gets praised a lot more. Other than that it just sounds elegant and educated to me :D

Anonymous · Answer

We don't. Not sure where you're getting your information. If anything its the opposite.

NickiB · Answer

I don't i add 10 sexy points to them.

AngelLily · Answer

It's because of stereotypes and movies.

Popalopagus · Answer

Some Americans are idiots.

MannMitAntworten · Answer

Too much damn Dickens.

oldoldold · Answer

Because for them it would be true

askuser · Answer

The accent just makes them hotter.

wankiam · Answer

because we are

RWRECK1 · Answer

don't know any one who does that.

pooper89 · Answer

the media

Thatsamazing · Answer

Lol uhh... we don't.

duanemc86 · Answer

We don't. 😂😂😂

Why do Americans attribute having a British accent to being more intelligent?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Do you equate someone speaking with a British accent as intelligent?

Why do Americans attribute having a British accent to being more intelligent?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Do you equate someone speaking with a British accent as intelligent?

We're glad to see you liked this post.