What’s Your Accent Called, Anyway?
Authentic. Versatile. Hard to label…
“What’s your accent?”
It sounds like a simple question, but it’s never had a simple answer for me.
I was born in Australia, but I’ve lived in the UK for over two decades. In that time, working as a professional actor and now as a voiceover artist, I made a conscious effort to soften, even neutralise, my Aussie accent — not because I didn’t love it, but because it opened up more casting and voiceover opportunities.
And it worked! I even ended up playing the quintessential British gent, Richard Hannay, in The 39 Steps on the West End. (I still miss that pencil moustache.)
These days, my natural speaking voice sounds more English than Australian.
But when I relax — in a casual chat or a call with my mum — the odd Aussie vowel slips back in. Old habits, and all that.
Professionally, I can switch seamlessly between British and Australian accents, both to a native standard. That flexibility means I get hired for a wide range of voiceover projects, from corporate narration to commercial campaigns, depending on what tone or audience the client needs.
But it does raise a funny question:
In the age of “authenticity” and “personal brand” — what do I actually call my accent?
“British-Australian”? Sounds like a visa category.
“Neutral”? Too vague. I’m not narrating a meditation app (though I could).
“RP with Vegemite undertones”? Cheeky. Tempting. Possibly confusing.
It got me thinking: if there’s a Transatlantic accent — that posh, polished blend of American and British — why isn’t there a name for the space between Received Pronunciation and Strine?
Naturally, I made a list:
Possible Names for the British-Australian Hybrid Accent
🛫 Transpacific Accent – Like “Transatlantic,” but across the Pacific. Broad, formal, passport-friendly.
📻 BBCooee – A playful mash-up of “BBC English” and the classic Aussie bush call.
🌿 Eucalypt RP – Polished yet grounded. The sound of someone who knows how to pronounce “scone” both ways.
🐨 Koalafied English – A pun so bad it’s good. I apologise, and you’re welcome.
🌊 Pacific RP – Smooth, sun-kissed, and knows how to sell you reef-safe sunscreen.
🌬️ Britannia Breeze – An accent that’s been on holiday. Light, charming, and probably owns linen trousers.
🐎 Union Jackaroo – Silly? Yes. Would I watch it if it was an animated series? Also yes.
So, what’s the verdict?
What would you call an accent that lives somewhere between Dover and the Great Dividing Range?
And more broadly — how do you define your voice, especially when it doesn’t fit neatly into a single box?
As a voiceover professional, I’ve learned that your vocal identity isn’t fixed — it’s a toolkit. Accents, tones, and inflections are all part of the package. And in today’s global world of audio content, clients aren’t always looking for one “correct” sound. They’re looking for a voice that feels real, relatable, and right for their brand.
So maybe, in the end, it doesn’t matter what you call the accent.
What matters is that it connects.
Need a voice with range, warmth, and a touch of Vegemite?
🎙️ Get in touch and let’s find the sound that fits.
