Snap is one of the main characters from the animated TV series Chalkzone. He was created by the show’s creators Bill Burnett and Larry Huber and first appeared in 2002 when the show premiered on Nickelodeon. Snap is an anthropomorphic blue superhero character with a thick black outline who lives in the imaginary world of Chalkzone that is accessible through magic chalk portals drawn by the show’s protagonists Rudy Tabootie and Penny Sanchez.
As a cartoon character, Snap does not actually have a real world regional accent. His voice and manner of speaking are defined by the voice actor who portrays him and the creative choices of the show’s producers. However, within the fictional world of Chalkzone, Snap speaks with an accent that sounds similar to a stereotypical New York or New Jersey area accent.
Background on Chalkzone and Snap
Chalkzone follows the adventures of Rudy Tabootie, a creative 10-year-old boy who discovers that he can use magic chalk to draw portals into the fictional world of Chalkzone. This alternate universe is inhabited entirely by chalk drawings that have come to life, known as “Zoners.”
Rudy meets Snap early on in the first episode of the show “The Big Blow Up.” Snap becomes Rudy’s best friend and sidekick, joining him on his trips into Chalkzone and helping him protect both worlds from harm.
Snap is characterized as confident, loyal, and street smart. As a resident of Chalkzone, he serves as Rudy’s guide to the world and its strange inhabitants. He has the ability to stretch his body like rubber and can mold himself into different shapes.
Voice Actor for Snap
Snap is voiced by stand-up comedian and actor Candi Milo throughout the entirety of the show’s 4 season run. Milo uses an exaggerated, stylized voice for the character that supports his superhero personality and cool, edgy attitude.
Milo employs some distinguishing speech patterns and pronunciations that have defined Snap’s voice and regional American accent. These include:
– Dropped R’s – Snap frequently drops R sounds from words, especially when the R comes after a vowel. For example, “chalk” becomes “chawk” and “portal” becomes “potawl.”
– Exaggerated diphthongs – Snap stretches and emphasizes the gliding vowel sounds in words like “boy” (sounds like “bewoy”) and “out” (sounds like “eowut”).
– Substitution of “D” for “TH” – Snap often replaces the “TH” sound with a “D” sound in words like “the” (sounds like “da”), “that” (sounds like “dat”), and “them” (sounds like “dem”).
– Use of “Youse” instead of “You” – Snap often addresses groups as “youse guys” instead of “you guys.” The use of “youse” is associated with New York area accents.
Influences on Snap’s Accent
While exaggerated for comedic effect, Snap’s accent was likely inspired by and intended to evoke urban East Coast accents:
- New York City accent – The substitution of “D” for “TH” and dropped R’s are hallmarks of the quintessential New York City accent made famous by residents of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
- New Jersey accent – Some of Snap’s vowel pronunciations and use of “youse” point to influences from a North Jersey accent from cities like Newark and Jersey City.
- Italian American dialect – Italian American dialects common in the New York metro area feature diphthong pronunciations similar to Snap’s speech patterns.
The creators of Chalkzone were based in Los Angeles, but selected an East Coast accent for Snap to give him the attitude and edge of a streetwise character from a bustling urban environment. An exaggerated East Coast accent contrasts with the more neutral and relaxed West Coast accents of the other main kid characters.
Examples of Snap’s Accent in the Show
Here are some examples of Snap’s accent from Chalkzone episodes:
“The Big Blow Up” (Season 1, Episode 1)
- “Hey! What’s da big idea? You tryin’ to flatten me or somethin’?”
- “Yeah, dat’s right! I’m talkin’ to youse!”
- “Da name’s Snap. What’s yours, kid?”
“Snap vs. Boorat” (Season 1, Episode 2)
- “Dat preparations montage was da best! Dat’s how youse get ready for a battle!”
- “I’m da only one allowed to tickle da kid!”
- “Youse guys relax, I’ll handle dis boorat.”
“Sock Opera” (Season 3, Episode 5)
- “Dis opera’s gonna be off da hooks!”
- “Hit it maestro! Dis crowd’s not gonna wow itself.”
- “Get ready for da performance of a lifetime folks!”
Conclusion
In summary, while not tied to any truly existing regional accent, Snap’s voice in Chalkzone was designed to evoke aspects of accents commonly associated with New York and New Jersey.
Linguistic elements like dropped R’s, “D” for “TH” substitution, elongated diphthongs, and use of “youse,” combined with Candi Milo’s exaggerated vocal performance, gave Snap his iconic streetwise, “cool kid from an East Coast city” sound and personality that contrasted him from the other characters.
Ultimately, Snap’s voice provides him with a unique identity as Rudy’s chill, savvy guide to the fantastical world of Chalkzone. His accent helps bring attitude and comedic flair to the animated series.