How do Orcs say hello?
The most common Orc greeting in Azeroth is "Mok‘ra" – meaning "Greetings visitor" or "Hello friend."
When stationed at military outposts, Orcs may forgo informal greetings and instead bark “Dabu!” which shows obedience and readiness for orders.
A Primer on the Orc Languages
Orcs have several related languages differentiated mostly by clans and regions across fantasy universes. Their guttural tones and aggressive pacing exemplifies their brutal lifestyle.
The common Orcish tongue contains vocabulary adapted from regions like Draenor, Kalimdor, Eastern Kingdom and Northrend. Tribal dialects developed over generations of clan warfare and shamanistic traditions.
Mok’Nathal clan war chiefs use ancient phrases still uttered like battle cries:
“Mok-kra Ogar!” – Greetings warriors!
"Lok-Tar!" – "Victory!"
Percentage of fluent Orcish speakers
Studies show modern Orcish fluency remains very high, despite recent normalization efforts.
| Race | Fluent Orcish | Partial Understanding |
|---|---|---|
| Orc | 95% | 4% |
| Troll | 73% | 27% |
| Tauren | 44% | 56% |
Notable Scholars of Orc Linguistics
Very few academics outside Orc culture have managed to master their ancient and brutal vocabulary. But those who immerse themselves discover intricate meanings hidden below the gutteral roar.
Chief linguist Thrakk Steeltooth, an elder of the Warsong clan, helped catalog the complex Orc dictionary for the Horde census. His contemporary, troll scholar Zul’jin Hexweaver, applied musical theory to analyze Orcish sentences. Both have extensively studied the Nathrezim language of demons for phrase origins.
Evolution from Clans to Empire
In eras past, Orc clans remained isolated by vast distances and desert climates unfavorable even to their hardy endurance. This forged divergent dialects among the clans.
As mining networks expanded, contact between clans saw trading phrases and vocab emerge:
“Mok-thorin” – Welcome customer!
But once Gul’dan united clans into the Old Horde under demonic influence, their shared culture and warfare led to the dominant dialect used today. Military communication also contributed phrases still bellowed in battle like “Lok-Narash!” – Arm yourselves!
Orcs from the northern Warsong Clan pronounce “Lok’tar!” as “Loook-taaaar’r!” lengthening certain syllables. Whereas Orcs dwelling in Durotar’s desert climate tend towards “Lok’tar” with a sharper enunciation.
Such distinctions emerged over generations as clans guarded separate territories. Dialects contain unique idioms invoking their ancestral homelands. For example, Frostwolf scouts might say:
“Mok’doom vel’shan!” – Rest with cold winds!
With roughly 600 years of relative Orc homeland stability since the Third War, dialects are far more homogeneous than prior eras. But accents still persist among the elder shaman and clan chieftains.
Military Communication in Orcish
Orcish contains an extensive military lexicon for commanding forces in chaotic warfare. Imperative verb conjugation shows authority yet offers just enough subtlety for senior officers like Warchiefs and Chieftains. This helps ensure clear instructions during the din of battle.
Some examples of Orcish millitary communication:
“Osh’Kava!!” – Form lines!!
“Rok’alar!!” – Fix bayonets!!
“Lok-Narash, Zind!!” – Arm yourselves, troops!!
How Orcish Has Evolved from Early Clans
The earlier tribal era saw more varied dialects between the clans based on shamanistic oral traditions full of symbolism linking the earth, elements and ancestors. Foundational words like “marâgh” (iron) and “goth’alg” (fire) stem from these primal spiritual meanings.
But once Gul’dan united the clans into the Horde, the guttural dialects blended with contact through war and trade. Common phrases for negotiation and transactions emerged:
“Mok, thra k’yel” – Hello, I wish to trade
“Zug’shin, murg kaz’gul” – Okay, 3 silver coins
Orc species in different fantasy worlds share common cranial and throat physiology making guttural tones and hard consonants ubiquitous. But language also adapts to culture and environment.
Warhammer Orcs
Warhammer orcs follow gods Gork and Mork. Their phrases reflect the deities’ brutality like “Get ‘Em Lads!” Baying such battle cries in their guttural vocals intimidates foes.
Dialects follow loose clan affiliations across continents but also incorporate goblin words given their close fighting formation.
Elder Scrolls Orcs
Elder Scrolls orcs clans pledge belief in the Daedric Prince Malacath. He curses their people with hardship so their tongue contains heavier vocabulary emphasizing endurance and loyalty.
“We die with honor, blood-kin!”
Their common tamrielic language blends Orcish phrases with local tongues depending on stationed troops.
Analyzing Orcish musical components shows chanting and percussion dominating compositions. Repetitive phrasing builds tension released in sudden magical utterances or clashing instruments.
Orc shaman receive magic augmentations enhancing vocal chords to channel power words:
“Murg’shagal!” Dark elemental fury!
“Gloth’gazad!” Flamestrike eruption!
Such phrases invoke their harsh deity Ag’thuzad and symbolize the shaman’s sworn pact.
From the thunderous war cries of clans like Frostwolf, to the magistral utterances of magic, language remains central to Orc culture. Their dialects bind tribes across history while adapting to prolific warfare and spiritual customs.
To properly parlay, outsiders must understand an Orc’s deep ancestral power. But utter something as simple as “Mok’ra” in respect, and prove yourself ready for whatever comes next.
