| Profile : James Wigley | Currently in my final year of study at the University of Nottingham, I have jaded aspirations for global domination, and to see Forest catapulted into the Champions League… eventually; although at present I am content in finishing a degree in English and Theology whilst leading a small rebellious rabble of student journalists as Editor of the University's award-winning magazine, 'Impact'. Despite deriving from the southern City of St. Albans, my family and football team have all, at some stage, resided in Nottingham (my parents actually met in the Palais!) which is, I think, why I have such an affinity for the place. In my spare time, I enjoy hitting the town, especially (in true student style) BZR and Ocean; writing, and playing football. |
What do Barry White, Barry Manilow and Elvis Costello all have in common? Well, White was clinically obese, with a face larger than Big Ben's; Manilow's snout requires a bed sheet rather than a tissue to capture its contents and the only good thing going for Mr Costello is his christian name. To put it bluntly: this bunch of unlikely lads all look as though they've received a generous thrashing from the ugly stick; Manilow even appears as though he returned for seconds. Yet despite being aesthetically challenged, the three amigos also share another factor in common: women adore them. It's a tragic fact, but women are willing to throw their money, hearts and knickers in the direction of these singers for no other reason than their soulful voices. If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach (and to that there can be no disagreement) then it must equally be said that the way to a lady's heart is through language. With this in mind, I conducted a survey of 100 people; both male and female around Nottingham's city centre, to find out which accents turn people on, which repulse them, and which celebrities are the embodiments of this linguistic fantasy. Predictably, the Emerald Isle was the clear winner for both genders in possessing the most attractive accent, exemplified by Colin Farrell for the ladies, and Andrea Corr and Nadine from 'Girls Aloud' for the men. The French accent promptly cemented second place for the women, behind the Irish, whereas the men were a little more indecisive, eventually settling for Kylie Minoque's Aussie brogue. Which famous person has the most / least favourite accent? (Top 5) Women's choices (most) (least)
1. Sean Connery Cilla Black
2. Colin Farrell Jennifer Ellison
3. Oliver Martinez Steven Gerrard
4. Tom Jones Ant & Dec
5. Jude Law George Bush Men's choices (most) (least)
1. Andrea Corr Cilla Black
2. Nadine (Girls Aloud) Lily Savage
3. Kylie Minogue Nadia (Big Brother)
4. Britney Spears Mel C
5. Loraine Kelly Queen The ladies became especially flustered over the thought of Sean Connery dryly dropping a highland quip; whilst both genders were united in their dislike of Cilla Black's foghorn. On this information it would appear that Cilla does not just require a 'blind date' to get her back on track, but a deaf one too. Despite not descending to the scathing opinions regarding the accents of Liverpool, and in particular, Birmingham; Nottingham's accent was considered below average in terms of its attractiveness, although on the bright side that didn't dissuade Maid Marion from falling for her thieving, arrow-laden beau. How attractive do you find the Nottingham accent? (scale 1-10) Very attractive
Scores 10 - I (01 person)
Scores 09 - (00 people)
Scores 08 - I (01 person)
Scores 07 - IIIIIIII (08 people)
Scores 06 - IIIIIIIIIIII (12 people)
Scores 05 - IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (21 people)
Scores 04 - IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (23 people)
Scores 03 - IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (19 people)
Scores 02 – IIIIIIIIIIIII (13 people)
Scores 01 – IIII (04 people)
Very unattractive Both groups believed that a person's accent contributed to an attraction, or distaste, towards the opposite sex. This was a particularly prominent view held by the majority of women interviewed; initiating a slight Irish twang at the back of my throat. Do you think that a person's accent affects being attracted to him / her? Yes : 39 women and 31 men
No : 11 women and 19 men The Nottingham accent may not be all peaches and cream, and we may mention ducks more in our conversational phrases than the average Brit, but we can at least be consolidated in the knowledge that we are too far South to be infected by the Brummie / Scouse tone of voice; and that even if the situation seems beyond repair - our partners wincing every time they hear our voice echo - we can at least take heart in the knowledge that through a little acting, and frequent listening and viewing of the Corrs' melodies and Colin Farrell's films, we can rocket ourselves into the premiere league and into the hearts of the opposite sex. What's more, and most importantly, we may also be spared the frequent, incessant play of Barry White and the rest of the love squad – now surely that's worth getting tongue-twisted for. The survey results... Which accent do you find the most attractive / sexy? Accent (women) (men) (overall)
Irish 21 19 40
French 10 07 17
Australian 02 08 10
Spanish 05 03 08
American 02 05 07
Scottish 03 02 05
Estuary English 02 02 04
Welsh 02 02 04
RP English 01 00 01
Austrian 00 01 01
Cockney 01 00 01
Geordie 00 01 01 Which accent do you find the least attractive / sexy? Accent (women) (men) (overall)
Brummie 18 19 37
Scouse 15 11 26
German 08 09 17
American 05 01 06
Yorkshire 01 03 04
RP English 00 02 02
Geordie 01 01 02
Cockney 01 01 02
South African 01 00 01
Essex 00 01 01
Jamaican 00 01 01
Manchester 00 01 01 | 
