The ‘Peppa Pig’ Effect Has Kids Developing British Accents
Kids from the U.S. have been binge-watching so much of the British cartoon Peppa Pig that they’ve started to develop British accents and even using words like “telly.”
The so-called “Peppa Effect” took off during the pandemic, as screen time limits were lifted as parents worked from home. Now, parents say their kids are opting for “Father Christmas” instead of “Santa Claus” and throwing out expressions like “give it a go.”
Per the New York Post, Peppa Pig was the second most in-demand cartoon after Spongebob Squarepants for a 12-month period ending February. It was the 50th most in-demand out of all shows, reportedly moving up from the 103rd spot a year earlier.
“Young Peppa fans see her as a friend .. and, as we do with friends that we admire, pick up some of their characteristics,” Entertainment One Ltd, the show’s owner said in a statement.
Check out how kids adapted Peppa’s lingo below:
My friend's kindergarten aged daughter was counting to 100, and I noticed she randomly started using a British accent between 30 - 60. When I commented to my friend he was just like "yeah she's been watching that peppa pig" lol
— JD Jackson (@jhaijax) July 19, 2021
“Thanks to peppa pig my name is Mummy,” wrote one Twitter user. “My son describes his summer vacay as summer holiday and the bathroom is the both. Lol there is a ton more but my kids are semi brits now.”
Thanks to peppa pig my name is Mummy. My son describes his summer vacay as summer holiday and the bathroom is the both. Lol there is a ton more but my kids are semi brits now
— Merces’ 🔥 (@KissMyLocs) July 19, 2021
“Bot of my kids watched a lot of Peppa pre pandemic and there are quite a few words that they say that have a British tint to it. ‘Lit-tle’ being one,” wrote another Peppa parent.
Both of my kids watched a lot of Peppa pre pandemic and there are quite a few words that they say that have a British tint to it. “Lit-tle” being one..
— Coach Tim (@MATHnBASKETBALL) July 19, 2021
Many Twitter moms are now referred to as “mum” now:
Yes, my daughter had a British accent at the age of 3 because of Peppa. She used to call me Mummy all the time
— Fat Gal Ti Ti (@bih_boozy) July 19, 2021
One Twitter user wrote, “When my kids were young [they] referred to our yard as the garden.”
When my kids were young the referred to our yard as the garden.
— Sk8ordad (@ckurtz2014) July 19, 2021
🤣🤣🤣🤣 But I love this little show! So does my "proper" almost 2 year old, lol!
— TrulyJMonet (@JMonet81) July 19, 2021
This New York uncle said his niece’s British accent is “darn cute.”
My niece has been speaking in a British accent because of Peppa Pig since she was 2. As a NYer, it's darn cute. She even calls her mother ( my sister) " Mum"..
— Leslie Kwan (@MmeDirectrice) July 19, 2021
One user said their friend had to ban Peppa Pig, as their 3-year-old had a “full on British Lady accent.”
This actually happened to my best friend, she had to put a ban on any Peppa Pig. Full on British Lady accent in a 3 year old it was, amazing.
— Megan Gauthier (@GetWrecked) July 18, 2021
One parent was confused as to why their 5-year-old daughter started to demand things get done “straightaway.”
It took me the longest time to figure out why my five year old daughter abruptly started demanding that I do things "straightaway".
— Chris Harmer (@Navyharmer) July 19, 2021
