Females are adopting a croaky drawl known as 'vocal¹ fry' and showcased by the likes of many US celebrities² including reality TV stars the Kardashian family.

 

女性如今都爱拉长调子用沙哑的声音说话，俗称“气泡音”。许多美国名人都这么说话，包括真人秀明星卡戴珊姐妹。
 

 

Their voices are also getting lower thanks to the linguistic³ phenomenon - perhaps reflecting the need to compete with men in the workplace.

 

One cultural critic complained that it made young women sound like 'ducks quacking⁴'.

 

Paris Hilton and singers Britney Spears and Katy Perry are among other celebrities who pepper their speech with guttural growls⁵ and the style of speaking is becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

 

Also known as creaky voice, it involves elongating⁶ certain syllables⁷ so that they vibrate at the back of the throat, creating a tapping sound like a stick running along a railing.

 

With vocal fry, the phrase 'no way' becomes 'no waaaaaaay' and 'whatever' turns into 'whateverrrrrr'.

 

Louisiana State University researchers said that women think that lower voices make them seem more masculine and so better able to take on men in the workplace.

 

However, while the vocal quirk⁸ hasn't done Kim Kardashian's career any harm, many believe it carries negative connotations.

 

One study found that women with the speech pattern sound less competent and less employable.

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