Decoding the London Accent in 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' - Eggsy's Dialect and Its Origins

In the movie Kingsman: The Secret Service, the character Eggsy, played by Taron Egerton, uses a rather distinctive accent that has piqued the interest of many viewers. This article delves into the specific accent used by Eggsy and explores the broader context of London accents in the film.

The Biographical Background of Eggsy

Eggsy's biography in the movie simply states that he is from South London. Given this information, his accent could be from any area south of the River Thames. This region broadly consists of the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Kingston, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond, Southwark, Sutton, and Wandsworth.

The accent used by Eggsy in the film is intriguing. While it's often associated with South London, it also shares similarities with another widely recognized London accent: the Multicultural London English (MLE).

The Multicultural London English

Definition and Characteristics

Multicultural London English is a diverse and evolving accent that is not particular to any London region. It is heavily influenced by West Indian English, African creoles, African American English, and Indian English. This accent is most commonly heard in working-class and multi-ethnic areas of London.

A well-known figure associated with MLE is Sasha Baron Cohen's character Ali G, who often makes fun of and uses this accent. Other notable characters, such as Finn John Boyega and Jodie Whittaker from the film Attack the Block, also use this accent.

Geographical Shifts

It’s important to note that MLE has largely supplanted Cockney as the accent of East London. Most of the actual Cockneys have moved out to areas such as Essex.

Multicultural London English - Wikipedia

Eggsy's Specific Address: Camden and Alexandra Road Estate

A specific detail highlighted in the movie is Eggsy's association with Camden. He is depicted as living in the Alexandra Road Estate, a notable brutalist housing estate in the area.

Alexandra Road Estate - Wikipedia

Analyses of Eggsy's Accent

While many might initially think of the "Estuary" accent, which isn't specific to any area of London or even England, as fitting Eggsy's character, his accent in the film is more closely aligned with MLE. This accent reflects the diverse and multicultural nature of modern London and adds authenticity to the character.

Conclusion

Eggsy's accent in Kingsman: The Secret Service is a rich blend of various influences, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of London. By using Multicultural London English, the film accurately captures the essence of modern London, much like fictional characters such as Ali G and real-life figures like Finn John Boyega and Jodie Whittaker who have portrayed similar accents in their films.

For more information and further exploration of London accents, refer to the following resources: