What Is Vocal Fry? Why Everyone’s Talking About It

Vocal fry is everywhere, from chats with friends to big Hollywood movies.

Some say vocal fry helps them sound relaxed and confident, while others worry it might hurt their voice. Everyone has an opinion about it.

This blog explores what is vocal fry. Also, it’ll look at why it’s so popular and why some people are concerned about it.

Key Takeaways

– Vocal fry is a deep, creaky way of speaking that happens when vocal cords vibrate slowly.

– Vocal fry is common, especially among young women in the U.S. Many use it at the end of sentences.

– Some think vocal fry sounds relaxed and confident. Others find it annoying or unprofessional.

– Stars have popularized vocal fry, making it trendy among young people.

– Using vocal fry too much can tire out your voice, but it’s usually safe in small amounts.

– Vocal fry can affect how people see you, especially if you’re a woman. Some think it sounds less competent.

– To use vocal fry safely, keep your throat relaxed, stay hydrated, and practice in moderation.

What Is Vocal Fry?

Vocal fry is a unique way of speaking that sounds deep and creaky. It’s the lowest vocal register.

It happens when your vocal cords are relaxed and vibrate slowly.

Imagine the sound of sizzling bacon or a creaky door—that’s what vocal fry can sound like.

1. Vocal Fry In Everyday Life

Vocal fry has become very common, especially among young women in the United States.

A study found that more than two-thirds of college-age women used vocal fry, especially at the end of sentences.

Some people think it sounds relaxed and confident, while others find it annoying or lazy.

2. Why Do People Use Vocal Fry?

People use vocal fry for different reasons. Some singers use it to hit very low notes that they can’t reach with their normal voice.

In everyday speech, it can make someone sound more casual or laid-back. However, not everyone likes it.

A study showed that voices with vocal fry are often seen as less competent and less attractive. This is especially true for women.

3. How Is Vocal Fry Produced?

Your vocal cords need to be loose to make the vocal fry sound. When you speak, your vocal cords usually come together and vibrate to make sound.

With vocal fry, they close completely and then pop open, creating a low, popping noise. It’s a bit like bubbles slowly popping.

This happens because the arytenoid cartilages in your voice box (larynx) are drawn together. The vocal cords compress tightly and become slack.

Vocal Fry: From Pop Stars To Everyday Talk

Have you ever heard someone speak with a low, creaky voice? That’s a vocal fry. Let’s explore where we hear it and who made it famous.

1. Vocal Fry Examples

Vocal fry is everywhere! You might hear it:

– At the end of the sentences, when people’s voices drop.

– In casual chats with friends.

– During job interviews, when people are nervous.

– In coffee shops, when ordering a “venti caramel macchiato.”

A study found that about 2 out of 3 college women use vocal fry when talking. That’s a lot!

In music, vocal fry adds a cool effect. It’s super common in pop, rock, and country songs.

Remember Britney Spears singing “Oh Baby, Baby” in her hit song? That’s a perfect example of vocal fry in action

2. Vocal Fry Celebrities

Many celebrities are known for their vocal fry. Here are some big names:

– Kim Kardashian: The reality TV star is often called the “Queen of Vocal Fry”.

– Britney Spears: Her songs are full of vocal fry moments.

– Zooey Deschanel: The actress uses it to sound quirky and cute.

– Marilyn Manson: He uses vocal fry to sound spooky in his music.

– Katy Perry: Listen for her vocal fry in songs like “Firework”.

These stars have made vocal fry cool. Now, many young people copy their way of talking.

A survey showed that 86% of teens could name at least one celebrity who uses vocal fry.

3. How Celebrities Changed Vocal Fry

Before celebrities made it popular, people thought vocal fry sounded unprofessional. But now, it’s everywhere.

Here’s how stars changed things:

– Made it seem cool and trendy

– Used it in hit songs that everyone knows

– Showed it on TV shows and in interviews

Some voice experts worry that too much vocal fry can hurt your voice. But others say it’s fine in small amounts. About 70% of voice teachers say a little vocal fry is okay.

Vocal fry is more than just a way of talking. It’s become a part of pop culture. Whether you love or hate it, vocal fry is here to stay.

Step-by-Step Guide To How To Vocal Fry

Vocal fry is a unique way of speaking that sounds like a low, creaky voice. It’s often used in music and speech, but some worry it might hurt their voice.

Let’s learn how to do vocal fry.

1. Relax Your Vocal Cords And Reduce Air Pressure

To start, you need to relax your vocal cords. Think of it like letting out a gentle sigh.

When your vocal cords are relaxed, they vibrate slowly. This creates that creaky sound we call vocal fry.

Ensure you’re not pushing too much air out; just let it flow naturally.

2. Practice Making A Low, Gravelly Sound

Imagine the sound of an old door creaking open. Try to mimic that sound with your voice.

Say “ahhh” as low as you can, and you’ll start to hear the gravelly vocal fry tone. It’s okay if it sounds funny at first.

3. Experiment With Different Vowel Sounds And Pitches

Once you’ve got the basic sound, try it with different vowels like “ee,” “oo,” and “uh.” You can also play around with different pitches.

This will help you get comfortable with using vocal fry in various ways.

Tips For Integrating Vocal Fry Into Speech

1. Use Vocal Fry Sparingly

While vocal fry can add a cool effect to your voice, using it too much can cause vocal strain.

Try to use it only at the beginning or end of phrases to give your speech a unique touch without overdoing it.

2. Keep Your Throat Relaxed

If you feel tension in your throat, take a break and relax.

Vocal fry should feel easy and natural, not forced. If you’re straining, you’re doing it wrong.

Remember, the goal is to keep your vocal cords loose.

3. Practice With Short Sessions

To avoid straining your voice, practice vocal fry in short sessions.

Start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable.

This helps build your vocal strength without causing harm. Listening to singers and speakers who use vocal fry can be helpful.

Is Vocal Fry Bad?

You might hear vocal fry at the end of sentences or when someone tries to sound relaxed.

But is it bad for you? Let’s find out.

1. Health Implications Of Vocal Fry

Vocal fry isn’t usually harmful if you use it correctly. It’s like any other way of speaking—safe when done right. But, if you overuse vocal fry, it can lead to vocal fatigue.

This means your voice might get tired or even hurt if you talk like this too much.

Think of it like running a lot without resting; your legs would get tired, right? The same thing can happen to your voice.

Some people worry that using vocal fry too much might damage the vocal cords. This could lead to problems like vocal nodules and calluses on your vocal cords.

But don’t worry too much. This usually only happens if you use vocal fry a lot without taking breaks.

2. Social Perceptions Of Vocal Fry

Vocal fry can also affect how people see you, especially if you’re a woman.

Some studies show that women who use vocal fry might be seen as less competent or less attractive.

This is because people often have strong opinions about how women should sound.

One study found that listeners preferred normal voices over those with vocal fry when judging trustworthiness, especially for women.

Despite these perceptions, vocal fry is becoming more common. It’s often heard in casual conversations and on social media.

3. Expert Opinions On Safe Use

Experts say that vocal fry is safe if used in moderation. It’s important to rest your voice and stay hydrated.

Think of your voice like a musical instrument—you must take care of it to keep it sound good.

Talk to a speech-language pathologist if you’re worried that vocal fry is causing problems.

They can help you learn how to use your voice safely and even teach you exercises to strengthen it.

Correct Vocal Fry Usage

If you want to use vocal fry, it’s important to do it safely. Here’s how:

1. Using Vocal Fry In Speech And Music

– Don’t overdo it: Using vocal fry too much can hurt your voice. Try to use it only 10-15% of the time when you speak.

– Take breaks: If you use vocal fry often, rest your voice. Experts say to rest your voice for 10 minutes after every 2 hours of talking.

– Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Aim for 8 glasses a day to keep your vocal cords happy.

– Use it for style: The vocal fry can add a feeling to your performance in music or acting.

2. Balancing Vocal Fry With Other Techniques

– Mix it up: Don’t rely only on vocal fry. Use different voice techniques to keep your voice strong and flexible.

– Warm up your voice: Before using vocal fry, do some voice exercises. Hum or do lip trills for 5-10 minutes to prepare your voice.

– Practice good posture: Stand or sit up straight when speaking. This helps your voice work better and reduces strain.

– Listen to your body: If your throat feels sore or your voice is hoarse, take a break from vocal fry.

– Get professional help: If you’re serious about using vocal fry, consider taking voice lessons. A vocal coach can teach you how to use it safely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vocal fry is a unique way of speaking that sounds low and creaky. Many people, including celebrities, use it to add style to their speech or singing.

While vocal fry can be fun and trendy, it is important to use it carefully. If used too much, it might make your voice tired.

Also, some people might think it sounds unprofessional, especially for women.

So, enjoy using vocal fry, but remember to keep your voice healthy and think about how others might hear it.

Resources For Further Study

– NCBI. “Factors associated with vocal fry among college students.” by Lady Catherine Cantor-Cutiva, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA.

– “Auditory Perception of Impulsiveness and Tonality in Vocal Fry” by Imme Roesner & Vinod Devaraj.