How the Missing ‘R’ Is Making Its Way Back Into the Iconic South Boston Accent

Beth Teitell and Olivia Yarvis of The Boston Globe visited with several people in South Boston to learn more about how the “R” sound that was absent from the famous “Southie” accent is making its way back into words. This change is being propagated by a new generation while their parents, who found the accent to be part of their proud identity, want it to remain just as it is.

The Boston accent. Linguists and locals alike agree that the iconic dropped “r” sound is disappearing. But to those who still have it, it’s more than a way of speaking; it’s the sound of home and a reminder of a community-oriented, neighborhood-based Boston that many find is also fading.