What is vocal fry? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of vocal fry

vocal frynoun

giọng nói khàn khàn

/ˌvəʊkl ˈfraɪ//ˌvəʊkl ˈfraɪ/

Where does the word vocal fry come from?

The term "vocal fry" refers to a low-pitched, creaky, and gravelly sound that can be produced at the ends of words, particularly by women, in certain regional dialects of English. The origin of this word can be traced back to the mid-1980s, when Amanda Golden, a speech pathologist, introduced the term "vocal fry" to describe a vocal technique used by opera singers and actors. The technique involves lowing the voice to produce a rough, scratchy sound that often precedes a fuller, more resonant tone. This technique was beneficial for actors and singers because it enabled them to achieve a deeper, more resonant sound, particularly at the end of phrases, without straining their vocal cords. The usage of the term "vocal fry" gained wider popularity in the late 2010s, following several news articles and academic studies that linked the use of vocal fry in conversational speech to factors such as age, education, and social class. Some studies suggested that the use of vocal fry was more common in younger generations of women, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, due to changes in vocal training and socialization practices. Overall, the term "vocal fry" has become a topic of debate in recent years due to its variability in usage and its potential implications for language and communication. Some researchers argue that the use of vocal fry should be encouraged as a natural aspect of contemporary speech, while others suggest that it may represent a social and linguistic trend that warrants further investigation.

Example of vocabulary vocal frynamespace

  • Sarah's vocal fry was particularly noticeable during her presentation, causing some listeners to find it distracting and difficult to understand.
  • As she spoke, Emily's voice shifted into a deep, gruff vocal fry that added a unique and alluring quality to her delivery.
  • Some singers are experimenting with incorporating vocal fry into their performances, adding a gritty edge to their voices.
  • Rachel's vocal fry was a persistent issue during rehearsals, leading to concerns about how she would sounded live.
  • After seeking out vocal coaching, Jessica was able to correct her vocal fry, resulting in a smoother and more polished speaking voice.

Synonyms and related words for vocal fry


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