Here's a breakdown of why the perception might exist:
* Her Boston Accent: Child was born and raised in Pasadena, California, but her family was originally from Boston. Her distinctive accent was very much a part of her persona and added to her charm.
* Her Clear Diction: While her accent might have been strong, Julia Child spoke very clearly and deliberately. She was known for her careful enunciation and her ability to make even complex cooking terms easy to understand.
* Her Confidence and Enthusiasm: Child's personality was larger-than-life, and her passion for cooking was infectious. Her animated style of speaking and her enthusiastic expressions might have been mistaken for a speech impediment by some.
It's important to remember that accents are not speech impediments. Julia Child spoke with a unique accent that was part of her identity and contributed to her popularity.