How to pronounce blarney
Say it like BLAR-nee. Blarney has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BLAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce blarney. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BLAR
- nee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Blarney pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BLARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of blarney
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BLAH-nee.
What does blarney mean?
- Mindless chatter.“He is full of blarney.”
- Ability to talk constantly and fluently.
- Persuasive flattery or kind speech; smooth, wheedling talk.
- To beguile with flattery.
Where does blarney come from?
Named after a legendary magical stone in Blarney Castle, Ireland that gives the gift of eloquence.
Questions about saying blarney
How do you pronounce blarney?
Say BLAR-nee. The American pronunciation is /ˈblɑrni/. In British English it is /ˈblɑːni/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in blarney?
Blarney has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BLAR). Broken into parts: BLAR · nee.
Is blarney pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈblɑːni/ (BLAH-nee).