Its curious how societal norms dictate what is deemed rude or acceptable when it comes to personal attributes. For instance, while commenting on someones weight is widely acknowledged as an unacceptable faux pas, discussing their height seems to escape this consensus entirely. The same goes for the geographical origins of individuals; making derogatory remarks about where someone hails from is often tolerated, especially if the target is Birmingham, Englands second-largest city, often the punchline for jokes centered around its unique accent and perceived urban bleakness.

As an unusually tall woman who spent my formative years in this often-maligned city, I have firsthand experience of the dismissive attitudes that accompany being from Birmingham. The reactions I receive when I disclose my origins range from awkward faux condolences to the all-too-frequent sentiment of, Oh, I hear its horrible.

The most common response is an exaggerated mimicry of the local accent, a drawn-out Biiirrrmmingum!a joke that implies both the city and its accent are somehow inferior, which is, frankly, quite amusing yet undeniably frustrating. Interestingly, I never adopted the accent myself, not from lack of trying, but rather, my neutral speech has shielded me from some of the social ramifications that come attached to identifying as a Brummie.

In 2021, when Kate Adie revealed the BBCs informal and historical ranking of the UKs least favorite accents, it came as no surprise that Birminghams accent took the dubious honor of being at the bottom of the list. A fellow journalist, Michael Buerk, once remarked on his decision to avoid using his native accent in his reporting, stating, I didnt want death threats. Moreover, a study conducted in 2008 indicated that individuals with a Birmingham accent were often perceived as less intelligent compared to those who remained silent. Quite alarming indeed!

Imagine, for a moment, if someone shared that they were expecting a child and your response was, Oh what a shame, I hate children. Or consider a scenario where a person reveals they are a musician, and you chime in with, Music is so boring. Such outright negativity would surely provoke confusion and disbelief. However, in my experience, after having moved away from Birmingham at the age of 18, I cant recall a single positive remark regarding my upbringing in the city.

Thats not entirely accurate, though. There was one memorable occasion at a house party, where a trio of Old Etonians materialized, and upon learning of my Birmingham roots, their exaggerated concern for my alleged Dickensian struggles was utterly delicious. One of them exclaimed, Gosh, I hear its frightfully urban!

To clarify, I dont expect anyone to proclaim their love for Birmingham upon hearing that I hail from there. Instead, a neutral response, akin to what would be given for anyone elses hometown, would suffice. I doubt individuals from Norwich or Exeter face the same baffling hostility that those of us from Birmingham have grown accustomed to. Perhaps we should flip the script on them to provide a taste of their own medicine: Chichester? Oh, what a tragedy! York? You poor thing!

What is more perplexing than the derision itself is the realization that many of those who perpetuate this Brum-phobia have never even set foot in Birmingham. Its not as though Im encountering a multitude of people who have visited my hometown, been traumatized, and vowed never to return. Instead, they harbor a blind disdain, fueled by a confidence often reserved for actual prejudices. Its almost comical, except when it isnt.

Upon relocating to a new city, the overwhelming anti-Birmingham sentiment led me to briefly reconstruct my identity. Perhaps its forgivable if you remember the excruciating pressure of university freshers week. Newly independent and overwhelmed by social expectations, I would alternate between claiming London, where I was born, or Sydney, where my mother is from, as my origins. After all, theres only so many Biiirrrmmingums a person can endure. Ultimately, however, neither cover story felt authentic, prompting me to embrace my roots once more.

Today, I proudly announce my Birmingham heritage, preparing myself for the inevitable Biiirrrmmingum! bait. My typical response is, Thats so funny, no ones ever said that before, while I mentally roll my eyes. Ever been? I challenge them.

If you havent visited Birmingham, I implore you to do so. The city is vibrant, diverse, and possesses a heartwarming friendliness that makes it truly unique in the UK. In fact, we boast more miles of canals than Venice, and everyone knows that the beauty of canals lies in their length! As for the accent, it is steeped in history, a near-relative of Shakespearean speech, if you will!

Admittedly, 2025 isnt Birminghams shining moment; the local council is grappling with financial troubles, and an ongoing bin strike has led to an influx of large rats. Still, it will take more than these challenges to sink the good ship Brum. Ironically, years of criticism have fortified Birmingham against external judgment, and the accent remains a comforting reminder of home. Those who mock it may not reflect on their own intelligence, but after years of handling their jibes, I can assure youpay them no mind, bab.