This topic comes up from time to time in discussion and blogs. Without conducting a poll, it seems obvious that women like men with charming foreign accents. Recently, CNN did a piece on the subject entitled, “Do Men with Accents have an Edge in Dating?” They didn’t conduct a poll, either, but the conclusion seemed to be, “Yes.”
It is worthwhile to point out that not all accents are created equal. And, that is why I have compiled my own favorite list of “Sexiest Accents in the World.”
#1 Spanish: It seems to go without saying, but I’ll say it, anyway. Examples of hot Spanish accents are those of Antonio Banderas or Julio Iglesias. Antonio’s voice is used is that of the bee in the Nasonex commercials. And, of course, Julio Iglesias sings some of the most romantic songs in the world – sometimes in Spanish and sometimes in English.
In fact, all of the Spanish-speaking world sounds very hot and romantic. So, not just Spain, but all of the Latin and South America must be included in the Spanish category, which in terms of geography is certainly the largest. Some examples of these sexy accents are the voices of Mexican actor Ricardo Montalban, (“Welcome to Fantasy Island,”) and Argentine actor Fernando Lamas (father of Lorenzo Lamas).
#2 German: The high German or standard German accents are the nicest. They are very soft and sound nothing like Hitler. Honestly! It’s just that is never portrayed in the popular media, so you will have to go a little out of your way to experience it.
In fact, you have to look hard to find any German actors in American films. One German actor who has attempted a transition to American films is Til Schweiger. He is a major heartthrob in Germany and has a very hot accent when he speaks either English or German.
And, I’ve personally always loved the sound of Klaus Meine’s speaking voice. Klaus is the lead singer for the German band, The Scorpions, and you will hear him speaking English on some of their live albums. I’ve seen them live in Germany and he sounds just as good in German as he does in English.
#3. New York City: “Yo!” You heard me right. Let’s actually expand this one a little and say the general area in and around New York City and including parts of New Jersey. Think Frank Sinatra, Sylvester Stallone and Vinnie Barbarino (John Travolta). Sinatra and Travolta were both born in New Jersey and Stallone was born in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen.
Examples of other great New York accents belong to Brooklyn-born Tony Danza and Bronx-born Al Pacino.
#4. Romanian: Dracula was from Romania. It is one of the most dangerous and, therefore, recklessly sexy sounding accents in the world. Millions of vampire movie lovers will surely agree with me.
In this category, I include accents in the nearby geographical region such as Hungarian and Yugoslavian. For example, you may remember the amazing accent of Croatian-born Goran Visnjic as Jimmy Angelov in the movie Practical Magic.
#5. Specific British: The right English accent is very hot. Although, the wrong one is very not. Standard British BBC and Oxford accents have a ring of civility and refinement that is appealing. The closer to standard, the better. For instance, Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant are in and Michael Caine and Daniel Radcliffe are out.
But, the more unwashed, working-class northern English accents can have a pleasant sound, too. For instance, Joe Elliot (lead singer for Def Leppard) has a distinctive Sheffield sound that is equal in appeal to the Liverpool accents of Paul, George, John and Ringo of the Beatles. Millions of screaming and swooning fans are evidence that these guys all have very sexy accents.
Those are my top five world’s sexiest accents. I’m sure most people will agree with some of this and others will wonder why I left French and Australian off the list. But, it’s a matter of taste (and experience) – something like listing your favorite flavors of ice cream. Lots of people are fond of Rocky Road, but I’m not one of them.
