Gravel Speak

I would have saved this subject for a later post, but the Today Show on NBC brought the issue to light a few weeks ago, so I'll add my one cent's worth.  The guest described a speaking style that was called "Vocal Fry."  I noticed the style two or three years ago and named it "Gravel Speak," based on the gritty, gravelly sound emanating from the users. 

Why do I find Gravel Speak or Vocal Fry annoying?  I think it is because it is affected, or phony, speech.  My observation is that it is the aftermath to the Valley Girl speaking style of some decades ago.  When forced to listen, I hear the superiority-based ennui of sophisticated dowagers of days gone by.  Today, however, it is more often the parlance of lazy or artificial young people that falls on my innocent ears.

We can only hope that this fried grits speech does not spread further, and that those so afflicted will heal soon.  Whether the aforementioned speakers are on radio or television or hanging out at the mall, I hope they will drink hot tea with honey and lemon, eat chicken soup, and soothe those cords into vocal silk.