Understanding “Vocal Fry”

[Remember the recent post on “of beekeeping age?” Remember how the narrator spoke? That’s a classic example of “vocal fry,” a style of speaking in the lowest possible register. Once you become aware of it, it becomes hard not to recognize how ubiquitous it has become. But why? Some attribute it to influence of Kim Kardashian, the woman famous for doing nothing. Listen to this:

Now do you understand vocal fry? Now the question becomes … why is it happening and what does it mean? Such are the mysteries of The Jungle. Oo-oo! SB SM]

Here’s a good explanation of vocal fry:

What is vocal fry? Vocal fry is the lowest register (tone) of your voice characterized by its deep, creaky, breathy sound. When you speak, your vocal cords naturally close to create vibrations as air passes between them.

And whether or not you care about vocal fry, I assure you that many younger people are, like, totally obsessed with it.