Mermaids “talk” via whale-like humming. Unlike humans who rely on pre-defined words for expression, mermaids can directly convey and understand emotions and ideas based on tone.
Human: Hey bitch
Mermaid, analyzing: [playful tone, possibly a greeting…!]
Mermaid: Bitch!!! Bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Due to mermaids communicating based solely on tone, they’re able to not only learn human languages quickly, but assess a human’s true character the moment they speak.
It’s no coincidence that throughout history, rowdy sailors and pirates have been drowned by mermaids.
Pirate: Hello, darling :)
Mermaid, analyzing tone: [Dishonest. Condescending. Bad breath.]
Mermaid, about to sink the ship: Hello to you too ;)
