Dialect and Accent

Dialect in West Somerset and North Devon

Exmoor is primarily an upland area made up mainly of small villages and hamlets. The largest settlements are Porlock, Dulverton, Lynton, and Lynmouth, Simonsbath and Wheddon Cross.

Most will be aware of the existence of a Somerset / Devon accent, but, perhaps, fewer will realise that distinct accents and dialects are found throughout individual parts of the west country. Exmoor is no different in this respect. Although on the decrease, many of the indigenous population of Exmoor still use a distinct West Somerset / North Devon / Exmoor dialect of English. Here are some Exmoorian dialect words or pronunciations together with their more standard English equivalent. Audio sound files on the way, so please check back soon to hear the words being spoken by natives of the Exmoor and West Somerset area. Do let us know if you'd like to see your favourite Exmoorian word or phrase here.

avore before bladders blisters bivver tremble booty beauty cleg horsefly clump thump culver pigeon daps plimsolls, canvas shoes dew snail slug diddicoy gypsy diddy small dimpsy getting dark fall / vall autumn gander look gulch swallow goosegog gooseberry hauck cough kiddle kettle rigmarole fuss skitters / squitters diarrhoea tater, teddy potato todger penis turnip head wand mole (the animal) yucks hiccups

See also: Exmoor Scolding

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© Exmoorian 2008

Exmoor is a National Park situated on the Bristol Channel coast of south west England. Exmoor is located in two counties, with 71% of the park located in Somerset and 29% located in Devon