'r'

[GeneD]

In this comedy sketch the headmaster, reading out loud a question for the test (0:27), pronounces the 'r' sound in a manner resembling more the Russian or Spanish 'r' than English. Is it some fancy way of pronunciation? Do you often hear or speak yourselves this sound?

 

[GeneD]

Thanks. Now I'm intrigued about what Robin was doing with an axe in class. Is it some expression? What does it mean?

 

[GeneD]

Well, while it may be pretty annoying to explain a joke, it may also be worth it. It must be entertaining to see how we learners start asking stupid questions. I would be amused. Aren't you?

 

[bubbha]

In my perception, it's a rather upper-class Received Pronunciation way of saying the "r" sound.

Note that this sound is also common in Scotland.