Drawl

A drawl is a slow, elongated way of speaking in which the vowel sounds are lengthened. It often involves a lowered pitch and can be characteristic of certain regional dialects or used deliberately for emphasis or effect. The pace of speech is deliberate, with pauses often occurring between words or phrases, giving the impression of relaxed, unhurried communication. The pronunciation might sound slurred or lazy to someone unfamiliar with the dialect. A drawl can be a stylistic choice, adding a layer of personality or conveying a specific mood, like a laid-back or contemplative state of mind. It may reflect social context.

Drawl meaning with examples

• The Southern gentleman spoke with a distinct drawl, greeting everyone on the porch with a slow, 'Howdy, y'all.' His words seemed to stretch out, each syllable carefully considered. The drawl added a layer of hospitality and charm to his welcome, making visitors feel instantly at ease and welcome in his home.
• Listening to the old farmer recount his stories, his words emerged in a slow drawl, each tale unfolding at a leisurely pace. He would pause mid-sentence, letting his words hang in the air like the evening smoke of his pipe. His drawl was an integral part of his storytelling, allowing listeners to savor every detail.
• As the detective questioned the suspect, he employed a deliberate drawl, attempting to lull the man into a false sense of security. The extended vowels and drawn-out syllables masked the sharp intent of his questions, making it more difficult for the suspect to anticipate the next probing query.
• The actor adopted a Western drawl for his role as a cowboy, perfecting the slow, deliberate cadence. His pronunciation, with its prolonged vowels and languid rhythm, became an essential component of his character's persona. The audience immediately associated it with the rugged individualism of the frontier.
• Despite being in a hurry, the lawyer answered the question with a drawl, emphasizing a point of his claim. Pausing after each word, he let his statements sit and linger so his words of argument would stick in the judge's mind.