California accent

A California accent is the characteristic speech pattern associated with the state, though it varies by region and generation.

The stereotypical version—often called "Valley speak" or "surfer talk"—features rising intonation at the end of statements, heavy use of like and totally, and vowel shifts that make "dude" sound closer to "dood." Linguists note distinct patterns in Southern California versus the Bay Area, and the accent has spread through media influence: She has that California accent where everything sounds like a question.