If someone is from London, is it appropriate for me to say that they have an English or British accent?

Question

If someone is from London, is it appropriate for me to say that they have an English accent or British accent?

Answer 1

Technically a British accent doen not really exist (since that would incorporate Scotland, N Ireland and Wales), although many people would assume the stereotypical 'posh' accent perhaps. An English accent would be more accurate, but there are so many accents it wouldn't describe a locality accurately.

If the person in question had a very strong traditional London accent you could call it "cockey". E.g. If they were to speak like this:

"Orroight guvnah? 'Ow abaat a cuppa rosie eh? Stroike a loight! Seen the norks on that? Cor blimey!"

So, stick to English unless describing the origin of their accent is important.

Answer 2

Someone from London speaks English with a British accent

Answer 3

Either will work, because London, England is the capital of the British Empire. Don't, however make this mistake with people from other countries that are part of the empire!
Folks from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia, Canada, etc. may be highly offended if you referred to them as "Brits".
They want to be recognized by their homeland - and all their accents are different!

Answer 4

Maybe go one step further and specify that the person is a Londoner to better illustrate the region of which you speak. There are many different dialects all over England let alone the UK (Britain) as a whole.

Answer 5

Absolutely, I'm born in Ny so I'd expect people to say I have a Ny accent as well.

Answer 6

I am going to say "Englis" accent, althought I guess
it wouldn't really be insulting to say "
"British,:" but in answer to your query, English.

Answer 7

English is more specific.

Answer 8

of coz, coz people ar proud of their country, they will propably be happy about that, but remember, don't say the words as if they were disease.

Answer 9

yes its perfectly fine to say either of those.