The 'Peppa Effect' Is Making Children Oink When They Speak - For Real

You might worry about what you say in front of little ones, but turns out how you say it can also have a huge influence on young kids too as parents report the 'Peppa Effect' influencing the way their children speak.

Peppa Pig meme

Parents in the US claim that repeated exposure to the English kid's television programme, Peppa Pig, has caused American children to start speaking in a British accent and picking up some English vocabulary - and they're even punctuating sentences with 'oinks' - just like Peppa.

Peppa Pig

Dozens of parents have taken to Twitter over the phenomenon, which has been dubbed the 'Peppa effect'.

The kid's TV show, which follows little pig Peppa's adventures in a fictional southern UK town, as she spends time with her family and animal friends, has achieved global success since it first aired 15 years ago.

One American father wrote on Twitter: "Best thing that Noah does these days is speak in a British accent b/c of Peppa Pig.

"2 days ago, he came to me & said 'Daddy, I want to sit on your lap and use the computer'."

"I'd like to thank Peppa Pig for the slight yet adorable British accent my toddler is acquiring," added another mum.

One mum said: "The most entertaining aspect of my life right now is that my toddler has been watching Peppa Pig and now speaks with a British accent."

American mother and writer, Janet Manley, dubbed the influence on her daughter's evolving speech as the "Peppa effect".

In a recent article for Romper, she said that her daughter, who was born in and lives in American had started "calling me 'Mummy' and finishing her sentences with Peppa's trademark snort."'

"Two years later, she still oinks in conversation. Call it the Peppa effect," she said.

After noting his daughter's shift to a more RP accent, one father also commented: "She's also snorting like a piggy, but that is expected"

But the effects on children's speech isn't entirely negative with dad, Sylvester Kabajani, making the following observation: "My four year baby girl loves watching Peppa Pig and I have noticed her accent and grammar is extraordinary.

"Last night I tucked her to sleep and she looks at me and says 'daddy, can you snuggle me' I was like what did you just say baby girl? I don't remember the last time I used that word."

Peppa Pig seasons 2-4 are available on Netlfix.

Topics: Life News, Entertainment, News, You, TV & Film

Amelia Jones

Amelia is a freelance journalist and editor specialising in beauty, health, fitness and lifestyle. She has previously worked for titles including Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, Stylist, Red and the Mail on Sunday.

@ameliajeanjones