The Flap T 📹

Ok so now we have the Flap T, the flap T. My favorite of all of the T’s. 

So, first of all, you need to disconnect this sound from the way we write the T, because normally, the way we pronounce it has nothing to do with a tradition T sound. 

So think about these words: 

• Pretty

• City

• Beautiful

• Political

• Better 

In all of these words, I am using "not" the traditional True T, I am saying the Flap T. I am not saying, “Oh, I live in a beautiful city.” I am saying “I live in a beautiful city.”

You can think of the flap T almost more like a D or if it helps, it is almost the exact same sound as a Portuguese R, like in words para, puro, piri, sei lá. 

So to produce the flap T, the tip of your tongue is just going to very quickly touch the roof of your mouth and you're not aspirating. So you’re not saying TUH, but just a quick flap, ruh, ruh. 

So for example, think about this phrase:

"I’ve gotta lotta butter." 

You see the flap T all of the times with contractions. 

So I am not saying I’ve got a lot of butter. I’m saying “gotta lotta butter.” 

You see how much faster we can talk with this sound. Gotta lotta butter. Gotta lotta butter. 

Another great phrase to practice this with is “Little Italy.” So there is a very famous neighborhood in New York City called “Little Italy.” And 99% of Americans will say “little italy. With two flap T’s. 

If you ask an American how do you say that neighborhood, maybe they will really articulate and say “Little Italy.” But in normal conversation, almost everyone says, “Little Italy.”

So let’s take a look at some phrases and training, because having this sound perfect really is fundamental to sounding like a native speaker. 

So let’s do it. Thanks!