drawl

UK: drɔːl | US: drɔːl

Definition
  1. v. to speak slowly with prolonged vowel sounds, often in a lazy or affected manner

  2. n. a slow, drawn-out manner of speaking

Structure
draw <to pull, prolong>l <reduplicative or emphatic suffix>
Etymology

The word "drawl" originates from the verb "draw," meaning "to pull" or "to prolong," combined with an emphatic or reduplicative "-l" sound. This reflects the elongated, dragging quality of speech characteristic of a drawl. The term emerged in the 16th century, originally describing a slow, deliberate way of speaking, often associated with regional dialects or affected speech.

Examples
  1. He tends to drawl when he's tired, making his words almost unintelligible.

  2. Her Southern drawl charmed everyone at the party.

  3. "Well, I reckon," he said with a slow drawl.

  4. The actor perfected a Texan drawl for his role in the movie.

  5. Don’t drawl your words—speak clearly and confidently.