Here are some key features of Valley talk:
Accent:
* Vocal fry: A low, raspy voice quality, often perceived as breathy or monotone.
* Upspeak: Ending sentences with a rising intonation, as if asking a question, even when making a statement.
* Valley girl intonation: A specific inflection pattern, often described as a "Valley girl" accent, characterized by exaggerated high-pitched vowel sounds and drawn-out syllables.
Slang:
* Valley girl slang: Phrases like "like, totally," "duh," "gag me with a spoon," and "fer sure."
* Popular culture references: Words and phrases drawn from popular music, television shows, and movies of the time.
Other features:
* Simplified grammar: Often omitting words or using incorrect grammar.
* Emphasis on appearance and materialism: Discussions often revolve around fashion, shopping, and social status.
Cultural Context:
Valley talk emerged as a reflection of the cultural landscape of the San Fernando Valley, which in the 1980s and 1990s was a hub of affluence, consumerism, and a youth-oriented culture. It was popularized by the media, particularly in films and television shows like "Valley Girl" and "Beverly Hills, 90210."
Today:
While "Valley talk" is less prevalent than it was in the past, some of its features still exist in popular culture and continue to be used by some people. It has become a caricature of a particular demographic, often used for humorous or ironic effect.
It's important to note that "Valley talk" is a broad generalization, and not all people from the San Fernando Valley speak this way. Additionally, the term itself can be seen as derogatory or stereotypical.