Because of its isolation, Ocracoke speech patterns have taken on a unique dialect, or "brogue", and expressions over the past 250 years. Ocracoke brogue is the famous local dialect. To some of the native islanders, there are only two kinds of people in the world: O’Cockers and dingbatters (natives and non-natives, respectively). For more information on the unique Ocracoke Brogue, purchase "The Carolina Brogue" documentary, made by the North Carolina Language and Life Project at North Carolina State University. To watch a video excerpt, click on the link below.​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn More:

Hoi Toide on the Outer Banks by Walt Wolfram, Natalie Schilling-Estes, and Ocracoke Still Speaks (CD) are available in our online gift shop.

​