vocal fry

American  

[voh-kuhl frahy] / ˈvoʊ kəl ˈfraɪ /

noun

1. a voice quality characterized by a low pitch and raspy sound and produced by a slow fluttering of the vocal cords: He wrote to the radio show to complain about the young woman’s vocal fry.

   Both men and women speak with vocal fry.

   He wrote to the radio show to complain about the young woman’s vocal fry.

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Etymology

Origin of vocal fry

First recorded in 1960–65; vocal ( def. ) + fry ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The creator and lead actress of the HBO hit series “Girls” has long been castigated for her vocal fry and grating delivery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

She said the condition, called Reinke's edema, makes touring challenging because it causes the "ultimate vocal fry".

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2025

Famously, Butler's voice inexplicably shifted from his more nasally California vocal fry to a deep-toned sensual southern accent.

From Salon • Nov. 13, 2023

For instance, speaking with a vocal fry conveys a sense of nonchalance or detachment.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2023

Dr. Elemans said that, when it comes to vocal fry, “no matter what you think, whales are definitely very successful.”

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2023