Does the pronunciation of bro/brah/bruh carry different meanings, or is it just an accent or regional thing?

13 comments

1. Brah….you cant just be asking about calling people bro like that….I mean, like bruh….

2. Bro means bro.

   Brah is germane to surfers.

   Bruh is an expression of exasperation.

3. To me they do. I only use “brah” when being flippant, “bro” is more serious like this guy is really my bro. And “bruh” is used when I’m more defeated, such as “Bruh, I explained this to you sixteen times and you still don’t get it.”

4. 100%

   Bro is usually a term of endearment and familiarity and is pronounced with a hard ‘O’. It *can* be used to address somebody with whom you are not familiar, but usually in an associative tone when you find yourself in a situation together.

   Brah is similar, but is said slower and more laid back. Think surfer-dude. Its prounouced nearly the same as ‘bra’ as in brassiere. Less forceful of an address.

   Bruh is rarely used to actually address a person. Its more just a mild and modern exclamatory phrase used in the place of like “goodness gracious.” Or “HolUp, what…” It implies a sense of incredulity at the situation or scenario or story. Its pronounced with a soft ‘U’ sound but is closer to ‘brah’.

5. “Bro” is neutral, affected by context.

   “Brah” (more “bragh”) most commonly comes from an accent.

   “Bruh” is “bro” but exasperated, like saying “Dude…” or “Man…” Usually used to start the sentence.

6. When I use “bro”, it is usually an exclamation and the o sound is drawn out. Picture your friend dropping your plate of food. You could look at him and give a disappointed “brooooooooo”.

   “Bruh” is kinda like adding an exasperation to the sentence. Really short and sweet. “Bruh… you dropped your drink”

   “Brah” I use the least. “Sup, brah?”

   Other people probably use them differently, but this is how I use them.

7. bro 🤝

   brah 🤙

   bruh 😩

8. Breh.

9. I just want to add, that some people do use “bruh” as a term of endearment just like “bro”.

   My friends and I will have exchanges like this:

   “Wanna meet up at the brewery Friday night?”

   “Bruhhhhh” (yes certainly)

10. I’ve got some younger colleagues who use “Bruv” in a consistent way but I can’t quite put my finger on the meaning yet. It’s not derogatory.

    They are not English.

11. No

12. Just based on mood and vibe

13. Yes.