The Real Significance of the Pogues and Kooks on 'Outer Banks'

If you are staring at Netflix's new sequence, 'Outer Banks' and are questioning about the which means behind "Pogues" and "Kooks" here's a fast explainer.

Already five episodes deep into Netflix's new adventure-drama sequence, Outer Banks? The display, which follows Pogues pack chief John B as he investigates the disappearance of his father, is as addicting as it's irritating. It's also just a laugh to observe, and reminds viewers of teenager dramas like The O.C. or One Tree Hill — but with sunken treasure and murder. Like any good YA story, the teen characters are divided by group nicknames that represent their "place" in society: the Pogues and the Kooks.

The which means behind "Pogues" and "Kooks."

John B explains early in the season that, "This is Figure Eight, the rich side of the island. Home of the Kooks." We see opulent properties, golf classes, and luxurious yachts. The Kooks are "rich trustafarian posers" and John B and corporate dislike them very a lot. As for his side of tracks, John says, "This is the south side, or the cut. Home of the working class, who make a living busing tables, washing yachts, running charters. The natural habitat of the Pogues." 

"Pogues" comes from the term "pogies" which is every other title for Menhaden fish. The Menhaden fish, in line with Encyclopedia Britannica, are part of the herring family, and they are used for fish meal, oil, and fertilizer — so, they're not for consuming. Although they're basically simply food for fish, they're an excellent crucial part of the ecosystem. In fact, The National Geographic calls the pogies the "most important fish in the sea." The Pogues are operating class folks who're left out, like the fish, however mainly stay the complete island working.

The time period "Kooks," on the other hand, comes from a slang word that suggests "someone posing very hard as a surfer or skateboarder," in line with Urban Dictionary. A more specific definition states that Kooks "don't live in the sh*thole little coastal towns; don't work construction and / or drive old, beat-up trucks; pretend like they can surf when, in reality, they suck ass." 

Suffice it to say, "Kook" isn't an endearing term and in the case of Outer Banks, speaks to the wealthy kids who want to be noticed as locals, however don't wish to if truth be told go along with the true locals or "natives" of the the town.

Both teams in Outer Banks use the terms constantly. For instance, in Episode 5, Rafe says, "Tell Kiara she looks pretty hot for a Pogue," as a cop drags JJ, a Pogue, away. Topper calls John B a Pogue at one point, which results in a bodily brawl. While the Pogues self-identify as such, a Kook the usage of the term always signifies a derogatory tone. Basically, Pogues and Kooks signal a category divide in Outer Banks. Most most likely, no such thing actually exists in North Carolina.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXSramam6Ses7p6wqikaKhfpbyowcSsZKSnn6DAbrvUrZyrZZKWu6y%2F