Is This Really How Outsiders Hear The Minnesota Accent?

We get it - it’s a stereotype. Not all Minnesotans have the classic ‘Minnesota accent’ popularized by the 1996 cult classic Fargo. But like a stubborn snowdrift in April, the stereotype has stuck. And not only does the rest of the U.S. assume all Minnesotans sound that way, so does much of the world - including Europe. But what do folks across the pond really think of how those from the 'Land of Ten Thousand Lakes' talk? The answer just might surprise you, dontcha know.

The website, Babbel, did a survey on Europeans and what they think of American Accents, and the results might not be what you'd expect. Specifically, it asked how "sexy" each American accent was? I, for one, have never thought of the Minnesota accent as a particularly sensual one, but let's see what they think across the Atlantic.

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Everyone knows Americans have an affinity for European accents, but what do they think of ours? Do we even want to know the answer to that question? Well, Babbel set to find out and the results of their survey are quite striking, especially for Minnesotans.

Here are the sexiest American accents, according to hostel (hotel) workers in Europe:

1. Deep South (20%)

2. New Yorker (18%)

3. Bostonian (17%)

4. Southern Californian (16%)

5. Texan (14%)

6. Midwestern (10%)

7. Minnesotan (5%)

That's right, Minnesota ranks DEAD LAST. But why is that?

Was nearly every country in agreement that the Minnesota accent is the least attractive? You betcha! In fact, the British, French, Spanish, Italian and Dutch hostel workers all voted Minnesotan the least sexy. Only the Swedish and German employees disagreed, ranking the New York and Midwestern accents, respectively, as the least attractive.
-Babbel Website

I guess that means I'm booking my next vacation to Germany or Sweden!

To take a look at the full article from Babbel, click here.

And for a quick training session on how to speak like a Minnesotan, eh? Take a look at the YouTube video below from Kare11.