Generalizations:
* "American" sound: Often described as a "nasal" or "twangy" sound, especially in the "a" vowel.
* Emphasis on certain sounds: Strong emphasis on the "r" sound and "t" sounds can be perceived as distinct.
* Different vowel pronunciations: Words like "about," "car," and "dance" can be pronounced differently compared to European English.
* Distinctive intonation and rhythm: American English often has a more "sing-song" quality to its intonation, with a more up-and-down rhythm.
Specific Examples:
* British: Might describe an American accent as "flat" or "monotone" compared to their own more nuanced intonations. They might also find the strong "r" sound to be "over-pronounced".
* French: Might perceive American English as "rough" or "hard" compared to their own more "mellifluous" pronunciation. The strong "t" sounds might also be considered harsh.
* Spanish: Might describe an American accent as "fast" or "rushed," with the strong "t" sounds being particularly noticeable.
* German: Might find the American accent to be "informal" or "colloquial," lacking the formality they might associate with British English.
Additional Factors:
* Regional variation: American accents differ significantly by region. For example, a Southern American accent might be perceived as more "drawling" or "relaxed," while a New York accent might be seen as more "brash" or "aggressive."
* Individual experience: Personal experiences and exposure to different accents will shape an individual's perception.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, how Europeans describe an American accent is highly subjective and influenced by a range of factors. It's important to avoid stereotypes and recognize that there's a wide range of variation within both American and European English.