A Classic Tongue Twister with a Twist
If you’ve ever tripped over your words trying to say “She sells seashells by the seashore,” then you’re in for a treat. Or possibly a tumble. Meet Betty Botter, the star of one of the most beloved tongue twisters in the English language. Written by Carolyn Wells in 1899, this delightfully difficult rhyme has been tying tongues in knots for over a century—and it’s still going strong.
What Makes Betty Botter So Brilliant?
Unlike many tongue twisters that are simply random strings of sounds, Betty Botter tells a story. A culinary crisis, no less. Betty wants to bake, but her butter’s bitter. Disaster looms—until she buys some better butter.
The beauty of this tongue twister lies in its repetition of similar sounds: bitter, butter, better, batter. Say it quickly and clearly, and you’ll impress English teachers and party guests alike.
Why Do We Love Tongue Twisters?
Tongue twisters like Betty Botter are more than just fun; they’re also great tools for improving pronunciation, enunciation, and fluency. They challenge our mouths to move in unexpected ways, making them ideal for language learners and seasoned speakers alike. Plus, let’s be honest—they’re hilarious when we mess them up.
Is There a Right Version?
There are a few variations of the Betty Botter tongue twister floating around, but one of the most popular (and the one featured in our video) goes like this:
“Betty Botter bought some butter. 'But,' she said, 'the butter’s bitter. If I put it in my batter, it will make my batter bitter. But a bit of better butter will but make my batter better.'
So she bought a bit of butter, better than her bitter butter, and she put it in her batter, and the batter was not bitter. So ’twas better Betty Botter bought a bit of better butter.”
Can You Say It Without Slipping?
Reading it slowly is one thing. Saying it quickly and confidently? That’s where the fun begins. It’s a test of your verbal agility, your focus—and perhaps your sense of humour when things go wrong. It’s also a great way to warm up before public speaking or drama performances, or simply to show off at the dinner table.
Watch the Betty Botter Tongue Twister in Action
Want to hear this tongue-twisting tale brought to life?
See if we stumble, mumble, or nail it—and then try it yourself.
Don’t forget to like, comment with your best attempt, and of course, subscribe for more English fun.
Your tongue might thank you. Or it might beg for mercy. Either way, it's worth it.
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