Dragged Out – Fatigued, exhausted, worn out. Box Herder – The person in charge of the “girls” at a brothel or saloon. Savey or Sabby – Corrupted from the Spanish saber, to know.To know, to comprehend. Coal-Hod – A kettle for carrying coals to the fire. Slang for main track. Staddle – A young tree; a tree left to grow when others are cut. Shank of the Evening – Latter part of the afternoon. “Why don’t you come by and spend the shank of the evening with me? Plaguily – Vexatiously, horribly. Dirk – A dagger, dirking would refer to stabbing with a dagger. The term was never applied to persons from the Continent of Europe. Pow-Wow – Native American feasts, dances and public doings. Black – To look black at one is to look at one with anger or deep resentment. Devilish – Atrocious, enormous, excessively, exceedingly, Dickens – Euphemism for devil, overmuch, a lot – a word most often used in explanations of confusion or pain; “the dickens you say,” or “it hurt like the dickens.”. Also means a jailer, turnkey, or prison warden. Candle-light – Dusk. Can’t Come It – Cannot do it. Beads – The bubbles which rise on a glass of wine or spirits. Lunger – Slang for someone with tuberculosis. If a particularly good Judas was found, he was spared the meat hook and used again. Ace in the Hole – A hideout or a hidden gun. Clout – A blow or strike, usually with the fist. 109. That Dog Won’t Hunt – That idea or argument isn’t going to work. Or, rubbish such as “all balls” – all rubbish. Gait refers to the rate a horse moves, which is far faster, so “get going.”. Railroad Bible – A deck of cards. See the Elephant – Originally meant to see combat for the first time, later came to mean going to town, where all the action was or to go somewhere to experience a “worldly event.” Many times denotes disappointment of high-raised expectations. According to Hoyle – Correct, by the book. Blow Out – A feast; also called a tuck out. Tail-Race – The water course leading from a mill after it has passed the water-wheel. Sharp Stick – ‘He’s after him with a sharp stick,’ i. e. he’s determined to have satisfaction, or revenge. West Virginia sunflower; Definitions include: satellite dish: Other terms relating to 'wild': buck wild; Definitions include: uncontrollable, uncivilized; "crazy". Claw Leather – To grab the saddle horn, something no cowboy wants to be seen doing. “The notorious Santa Fe Ring was an unscrupulous group of politicians in the 1800s.”. Also known as a California or Missouri toothpick. See more. Wolfer – A man with a large appetite or a hard drinker. “He got a right smart bit of work done.”, Ring – A group of businessmen or politicians form to advance their own interests, usually in such a way that places the public at risk. Clothes-Horse – A frame-work for hanging clothes on to dry after they have been washed and ironed, in the form of an opening screen. Chickabiddy – A young chicken. Also, refers to Chitterlings. Players bet on the order in which cards would be drawn from a box. Pink – Denotes the finest part, the essence. Biggity – Large, extravagant, grand, hauty. Actually, he said dregs, as in the bottom of the barrel. Barber’s Clerk – A conceited, over-dressed fellow who tries to act like a “gentleman.”. Cut And Come Again – Implying that having cut as much as you pleased, you may come again; in other words, plenty; no lack; always a supply. Betty – A pear-shaped bottle wound around with straw which contains Italian olive oil. Also called a “grub-line rider.”. Cut A Caper – The act of dancing in a frolicksome manner. Let Up – To let up is to release, a relief. On the half-shell – Applied to anything prepared and ready for use. Old Man – The ridge found between two sleepers in a feather bed. Ding – Beat, bang, used tedious repetition, as, “Why do you keep dinging that in my ears?”, Ding or Dinged – Excessively, very. Now in book form. Bee – A gathering of friends, family and neighbors to get a specific job done  Usually used with women’s quilting get togethers – a quilting bee. To Look Blue At Someone – To look at one with displeasure or dissatisfaction. Flap-Jack – A fried cake, pancake, fritter. Pair of Overalls – Two drinks of whiskey.. Pal on – to associate.. Pancake – A derogatory term for a small English saddle.. Pan Out – To pay well, prove profitable.. By Hook or Crook – To do any way possible. Let On – To mention, disclose, betray a knowledge. Tall Hog at the Trough – Superior, outstanding, exudes leadership. Bender – Initially referred to a spree or a frolic. Buckle Bunnies – Female groupies who follow and befriend rodeo riders. Used only in familiar language. Man-trap – Cow dung in the fields, or, a widow. “In all my born days I never saw a man so big.”, Bosh – Nonsense. Trotter Boxes, Trotter Cases – Shoes or boots. This “serenade” is continued night after night until the party is invited in and handsomely entertained. Fix One’s Flint – To settle, to do for, to dish. Wrinkle – Whim, fancy, a cunning trick or artful dodge. Insults and pejoratives have been around since man’s first spoken word. Badlands – barren areas of South Dakota, as well as other inhospitable western locations. Well To Live – To be in easy circumstances, to live comfortably. Play Second Fiddle – To “play second fiddle” is to take an inferior part in any project or undertaking. Beat the Dutch – To beat all or beat the devil. (From when pioneer men went West, leaving their wives to follow later.). To peep out suddenly from a hiding place, and cry bo! And means, to hang about. “When he came upon the town bully, he ripped out what he thought of him.”. Arikara (also Arikaree) – This term is believed to mean “horns,” after this tribe’s ancient custom of wearing hair ornaments that stuck upright and were made of bone. Above-Board – In open sight, without artifice, or trick. Blue Devils – Dispirited. Stew – To be in a stew, is to be in a heat, a confusion of mind. Swag – A term used in speaking of booty lately obtained. Whitewash – To gloss over or hide one’s faults or shortcomings. Chisel or Chiseler – To cheat or swindle, a cheater. “When it comes to understanding women, I’m at sea.”. Are you ready to cut a path out of here? Time to hit the hay. Diggings – One’s home, lodgings, or community. Fudge – An expression of contempt, usually bestowed on absurd or talking idlers. Jonathan – The American people. People would find the letters G.T.T. Anasazi – Navajo for “ancient ones,” this word describes an ancient tribe of the Southwest. Boot Yard – This was a cemetery, especially for those who died with their boots on; also called boothill, bone yard, bone orchard, grave patch. The term was also used for the tobacco and paper needed to roll cigarettes. Sometimes used to refer to a Yankee. People that had to be tested for Covid-19 had to have their nose swabbed right where the brain connects, which often led to people rolling back their eyes and gagging. To Mind – To recollect, remember or to take care of.. Mitten – When a gentleman is jilted by a lady, or is discarded by one to whom he has been paying his addresses he is said to have got the mitten. Fine as cream gravy – Very good, top notch. Settle One’s Hash – To properly punish one. Fair Shake – A fair trade, a satisfactory bargain or exchange. Landed – When a person has amassed a fortune large enough to keep him for the rest of his life. In For It – Engaged in a thing from which there is no retreating. Posted by ESC on March 07, 2005. Been Through the Mill – Been through a lot, seen it all. He made a “death on” speech at last night’s meeting. Also means to spur a horse. He’s “airing the paunch” after a heavy bout of drinking. Thumb Buster – Single action six-gun that required cocking. Definition of wild west in the Definitions.net dictionary. Bronc Buster – A cowboy who could tame wild horses. Fetching the beer from the saloon in a growler was called rushing the growler, working the growler, or chasing the can. Stars – A Southern pronunciation of the word stairs, like bar for bear. “Now’s your time, boys; switch in and let them have it.”. Shave – A narrow escape, a false alarm, a hoax. Score Off – To get the best of one, especially in a verbal debate. Bed Ground – Where cattle are held at night. Lickfinger – To kiss ass. He was so mean, he’d fight a rattler and give him the first bite. Seven by Nine – Something or someone of inferior or common quality. The opposite of “There you are.”. A disease of horses and cattle, which is indicated by a yellow appearance of the eyes, inside of the lips, etc. destruction, ruined, destroyed. Round-Rimmers – Hats with a round rim, hence, those who wear them. Deadening – When new areas were settled in the west, “clearings” were made by cutting down the trees. Cow-Lease – A right of pasturage for a cow, in a common pasture. WESTERN SLANG & PHRASES A Writer's Guide to the Old West. Fish – A cowboy’s rain slicker, from a rain gear manufacturer whose trademark was a fish logo. Swanga – A word used among some southern blacks in connection with buckra, as swanga buckra, meaning a dandy white man, or literally, a dandy devil. At Sea – At a loss, not comprehending. The act of finger blasting a girl while having your hand in the shape of a gun. Whale Away – To preach, talk or lecture continuously or vehemently. Later, and now, also used to describe someone on a drinking binge. Santiago – Coronado’s favorite charge was “Santiago”, Spanish for St.James, Spain’s soldier saint. Apple Pie Order – In top shape, perfect order. Queer Fish – An odd or eccentric person. Crummy – The caboose of a railroad train. Tee-Totaller – A thorough temperance man, who avoids every kind of ardent spirits, wine, and beer. Dip Snuff – A manner of using tobacco, generally by wetting a small stick and dipping it into snuff (tobacco) and placing in the mouth. Angoras – Hair-covered, goat-hide chaps. Probably first served on a trail drive using the ingredients at hand. Russer, Rusher – A dashing, sensation-causing man, a heavy player – often applied to politicians and clergymen. Big Figure – To do things on on a large scale. Huckleberry – As in “I’m your huckleberry” means “I’m just the man you’re looking for” or “I’m just the man for the job.”. “I have smutched my fingers.”. All-fired – Very, great, immensely; used for emphasis. Line Rider – Cowboys the guarded the ranch boundaries. “I have the blue devils today.”. Old Joe knocked him into a cocked hat. He made an ordinary fight look like a prayer meetin’. “What a slow poke you are.”. Bad Box – To be in a bad box, is to be in a bad predicament. Man-a-hanging – A man having difficulties. To Mouse – To go mousing about is to go poking about into holes and corners. “I want to be shut of you!”. Pike – A name applied in California to migratory poor whites. Acock – Knocked over, defeated, astounded, suddenly surprised. The name came from the Free-Soil Party, which existed from 1848 to 1854. Strong enough to float a colt – Very strong coffee. Plow Handle – A single action pistol was sometime referred to as a plow handle. Chock – To put a wedge under a thing to prevent its moving. Screw Loose – Something wrong. Bamboozle – To deceive, impose upon, confound. Shakes – No great shakes. Ballyhoo – Sales talk, advertising, exaggeration. Pilgrim – Cowboy term for an easterner or novice cowhand. Crock – The black of a pot; smut, the dust of soot or coal. Slat – Throw down with violence. Sossle Or Sozzle – A lazy or sluttish woman. Hitch in the Giddy-up – Not feeling well, as in: “I’ve had a hitch in my giddy-up the last couple days.”. “He had big plans to get rich, but it all became a cropper, when the railroad didn’t come through.”. – Well done, good job, good for you. Mud Pipes – Any kind of boots or shoes, but mostly applied to riding-boots. To Lass -Catch with a lasso, lariat or reata. Ringster – A member of ring, or group whose objective is to profit at the public’s expense. Gull – A cheat, fraud or trick. Whole Kit and Caboodle – The entire thing. All Beer and Skittles – Unpleasant, not so happy. Mitten, Get or Give  – Turned down by a lady after proposing. Angolmaniacs – Another name for those “back east,” ultra-English. Mail-Order Cowboy – This was a derogatory term used to chide tenderfoot, urban “cowboys” who arrived from the East all decked out in fancy but hardly practical Western garb. Little End of the Horn – To come away from a situation at a disadvantage. Like lickin’ butter off a knife – Something that is easy; not hard. To have a party or picnic. Buster or Bust – A frolic, a spree. Build a Loop – Shaking out a coil of rope in preparation for roping. Lock, Stock, And Barrel – The whole thing, the whole “kit and caboodle.”, Long And Short – The end, the result, the upshot. After I broke curfew for the second time and blamed it on my car catching fire, my daddy said to me, “Traci, that dog won’t hunt.”, There You Ain’t – Expresses a failure. Cat Wagon – A wagon that carried prostitutes along cattle trails, Causey – A causeway, or way raised above the natural level. French Leave – To depart without taking leave, to run away. Get Gaited – Get going in a hurry. Flat – A foolish fellow, a simpleton. “He’s the oldermost fellow at the reunion.”. Dry Gulch – To ambush someone, especially when the ambusher hides in a gully or gulch near a road and jumps the passersby. Atwixt – Between. Squaw – An extremely derisive term for an Indian woman. Savanna – An open plain, or meadow without wood. Shaky – A term applied by lumbermen, dealers in timber, and carpenters, to boards which are inclined to split from defects in the log from which they have been sawed. Bend an Elbow – Have a drink. Being a small compilation drawn from period newspapers, books, and memoirs . Blow – To taunt; to ridicule. Feller – Fellow. Bime-By – By-and-by, soon, in a short time. Bouncing – Large, heavy. Bucket of Blood – A violence-prone frontier saloon. Down In The Mouth – Dispirited, dejected, disheartened. Top-sawyer – Denoting excellence, superiority. Brown Study – Deep thought; absence of mind. Formed by pounding the choice parts of the meat very small, dried over a slow fire or in the frost, and put into bags made of the skin of the slain animal, into which a portion of melted fat is then poured. Marm – A corruption of the word madam or ma’am. –  A more socially acceptable alternative for “Lord’s sake.”. If you have any suggestions, questions or need help please feel free to contact us. Husking Bee – A social event in which the community came together to husk corn and to drink. Way-Bill – A list of the passengers in a stage-coach, railroad car, steamboat, or other public conveyance. Fid Of Tobacco – A chew, or quid of tobacco. To be made a tool or instrument to accomplish the purpose of another. Die-up – The deaths of several cattle from exposure, disease, starvation, or other widespread catastrophe. west; Definitions include: supreme; whatever you dream of. Tenderloin – The red-light commercial district of a town, featuring brothels. Sometimes also used to indicate cheap wall paint. (Would rather sit around the coffee pot than help.). A hemp committee was a group of vigilantes or a lynch mob (depending on your point of view) and a hemp necktie was the rope they did the deed with. A sensuous evil world. Talk a donkey’s hind leg off – To talk with no purpose. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers. A common expression in use following the Civil War. Pull Foot – To leave in a hurry, walk fast, run. when while engaging in sexual … Barber’s Cat – Half-starved, sickly-looking person. Worm-Fence – A rail fence laid up in a zig-zag manner. Portage – To carry boats or supplies overland between rivers or lakes. Go Through The Mill – A metaphor alluding to grain which has been through the mill. Apple Jack – A liquor distilled from cider, also called cider brandy. “He’ll be cooling his heels in the pokey.”, Come a Cropper – Come to ruin, fail, or fall heavily. Ni**er In a Woodpile – Disappearance, unsolved mystery. Petticoat Pensioner – A man who lives on a prostitute’s earnings. Balls – To make a mistake, to get in trouble. : : I need some phrases and funny cowboyslang to spice up my dialogues, do you know any or where to get them? Bishop – An appendage to a lady’s wardrobe, more commonly called a bustle. Mochilla – A rectangular leather saddlebag popularized by the Pony Express. To Marble – To move off, be off, go, as, “If you do that again, you must marble.”. Got the Bulge – Have the advantage. Also “hell-fired” and “jo-fired.”, All Over – Bearing a resemblance to some particular object, All-overish – Uncomfortable. 2. High-Grader – In the mining camps of the Old West, a high-grader was a man who stole any big nuggets which he saw in the sluice boxes. He was mad enough to swallow a horn-toad backwards. Also called a “dream book” or a “prayer book.”. Barkin’ at a Knot – Doing something useless; wasting your time, trying something impossible. Muck-out – To a gambler, to “clean-out” an opponent. Chitlins – Fragments, small pieces. Broken Wind – A lung infection in horses. Our cookies are delicious. Galvanized Yankees – Former Confederate soldiers who served in the U.S. Army in the West following the Civil War. More Terms, Expanded Definitions, Reverse Lookup, More Pictures, A Hog-Killin’ Time – A real good time. Hohokams – Means “vanished ones” in the Pima Indian language. Out And Out – Wholly, completely, without reservation. There are several definitions of this word dating back before the 17th Century, however this was the definition in the Old West, and could have been derived from “Cracker Cowboys” of Florida, which used whips and dogs to capture cattle instead of lasso’s. But the bronc buster, also called a “bonc peeler” and a “bronc breaker,” was a breed apart. Upper Story – The brain, the head. Bo-Peep – To play at bo-peep. Also called Indian Liquor. Sugar – Kiss or loving. Scape-Grace – A term of reproach, a graceless fellow. Alfalfa Desperado – What cowboys often called a farmer. Raise – To make a raise. “He did the “clean thing” and turned himself in.”, Clip –  A blow or a stroke with the hand. The same as “short end of the stick. According to Hoyle – Correct, by the book. Sewn Up – Exhausted, finished, done. (This came from killing a cow for food.) Feeze – To be in a feeze is to be in a state of excitement. All-Standing – Without preparation, suddenly. Westerners often left the chamber under the hammer empty for safety reason. A figurative expression of Western origin. “He’s a poor shack of a fellow.”, Shakes – Not much, not so good. Gerrymandering – To arrange the political divisions, so that in an election, one party may obtain an advantage over its opponent, even though the latter may possess a majority of the votes in the State. Churn Twister – A derogatory term for a farmer. Scratch – Not worth much. To knock oneself out, meaning “make a great effort,” is from 1936. Brand Artist – A rustler who alters brands with a running iron. Later, applied to someone’s mouth that constantly makes noise. Pecker Pole – What a logger called a small tree or sapling. Kedge – Brisk, in good health and spirits. 1860's ~ 1880's. 552. Chopper – The cowboy who cuts out the cattle during a roundup. Worse Than a Cat in a Roomful of Rockers – Someone who is really nervous. (Yes, there was bowling during Old West times. Screw – One who squeezes all he can out of those with whom he has any dealings, an extortioner, miser. Three-by-nine smile – A laug or smile to the full extent on the jaws. “What’s all the ruckus about?”. “He’s a horseman to the manner born.”, Man for Breakfast – A murdered body in the streets at dawn. Soon became a common word of seamen applied to fine silks, teas, tobacco, etc. Boom Along – A seaman’s term meaning to move rapidly. Curmudgeon – An avaricious, churlish fellow, a miser. Also refers to people as cheerful, good spirits, comfortable. Cowboys fastened two large pieces of cowhide to the side of the saddle that protected their legs from thorns and brush. Also used to refer to a nagging or complaining woman. Originated from common window panes of that size. Blue Stocking – An epithet applied to literary ladies. Also to outlaws, it means to hang. Sometimes tied in a small bag to chew it. Mud Fence, Ugly as a – Used to describe someone who was very ugly. Get my/your back up – To get angry. It was a fearsome sight indeed after the tower fell for the last time, after that, strip jenga was forever banned in the lounge. Leg Bail – To give leg bail, is to run away. Satinet – A twilled cloth made of cotton and wool. Above One’s Bend – Out of one’s power, beyond reach. Doings – Cooked food, also called fixins. 107. Haze – To haze round, is to go rioting about. Roastineer – Corn roasted over an open fire while still in the husks. Make Tracks – To leave, to walk away. To Tree – To take refuge in a tree, usually said of a wild animal. Bible – A small packet of papers used to roll cigarettes. Here’s a fun video from Arizona Ghostriders we thought you might enjoy. Tally – To live tally is to live as man and wife though not married. Catawamptiously Chawed Up – Completely demolished, utterly defeated. “He beat him all hollow. Placer – Comes from the Spanish word for gravel beds. To Run – To press with jokes, sarcasm, or ridicule. Roostered – Drunk. Who-Hit-John – Liquor, beer, intoxicating spirits. Also “hell-fired” and “jo-fired.”, All Over – Bearing a resemblance to some particular object, All-overish – Uncomfortable. Twisting the Tiger’s Tail – Playing Faro or poker. Even if you’re not looking for a definition, you’ll get a peek into the charm and character of a historic era. Photo: 1. Angoras – Hair-covered, goat-hide chaps. Dogs – To go to the dogs. Shank – The balance, what remains. Cardinal – The name of a woman’s cloak, from the red or scarlet habit worn by cardinals. “There’s a dance Saturday, so put on your best bib and tucker.”. Prospectors would scoop some dirt and water into a pan, swish it to wash the gravel away, and look for good in the bottom. Bog-Trotter – One that lives in a boggy country. Switch In – To bring in quickly, to incite promptness. The Go – The mode, the fashion. “Her face was smooth and slike.”. Soap-Lock – A lock of hair made to lie smooth by soaping it. long handwritten or typed double spaced and use at least . Rip-roaring, Rip-staver, Rip-snortin’ – An impressive person or thing. Disremember – Forget or choose to forget. Slap – Paint, rouge, cosmetics. Especially good in cold weather. Cut Up – To criticize with severity; as, “he was severely cut up in the newspapers.”. Make A Raise – To raise, procure, obtain. Spooney – A stupid or silly fellow, also a disgusting drunk. Burnt His Fingers – When a person has suffered loss by a speculation, he is said to have burnt his fingers. Tan Your Hide – Spanking. Sportsman – A term often applied to a gambler. All Down But Nine – Missed the point, not understood. Painting One’s Tonsils – Drinking alcohol, also referred to as ‘Painting one’s nose.”. Barrow-tram – A rawboned, awkward looking person. Serve Up – To expose to ridicule, to expose. Also called a coal scuttle. I Dad! Big Nuts to Crack – A difficult or large undertaking. Tie To – Rely on. “I was just all-overish around that steely-eyed man.”. Play a Lone Hand – To do something alone. Creepmouse – A term of endearment to babies. A Hog-Killin’ Time – A real good time. Cow Grease – Butter, also called “cow salve.”. Drat or Dratted – A good-humored oath meaning very, exceedingly. Also “catawamptiously.”. By Hook Or By Crook – One way or other, by any expedient. Laudanum – Not exactly slang, but what is it? Cut a Swell – Present a fine figure. Snippeny, snippy, sniptious, snippish – Vain, conceited. Caboodle – The whole thing. On the Prod – Full of piss and vinegar, looking for trouble, spoiling for a fight. “Well, if that ain’t a one-horse town.”. Chock Up – Close, tight, fitting closely together. From the wild and wooly mining camps to the rampages of the Civil War, to the many cowboys riding on the range, these folks often used terms and phrases that are hard to figure out today. Ambush – The scales used by grocers, coal-dealers, etc. All the Shoot – The whole assembly, all the party. “The milk is in the keep.”. Also applied to a street prostitute. “He dished us too.”. 97. G.T.T. Wolfer – A man with a large appetite or a hard drinker. “Drink yer coffee an’ quit yer yammerin’.”, Yannigan Bag – A bag in which the cowboy carried personal items, also known as a “war bag.”. Pullin my donkey’s tail – A much older way of saying “are you pullin my leg”. Bucking the Tiger – Playing Faro or poker. Catawampus. Whelk – An old name for a pustule, a pimple. Main Line: That part of a railroad exclusive of switch tracks, branches, yards and terminals. “We might have got into trouble if we hadn’t made our lucky.”. Juniper – Derogatory term for an easterner or novice cowhand. Line Camp – Crude shacks or camps on the outermost boundaries of a ranch. Bustle – A pad stuffed with cotton or feathers, worn by ladies for the double purpose of giving a greater prominence to the hips, and setting off the smallness of the waist. Lasso – A long rope or cord, with a noose, for the purpose of catching wild horses or buffaloes on the Western prairies. Well, here’s a guide to help! Couldn’t hold a candle to – Not even close. Dinero – From the Spanish, a word for money. Also applied to a street prostitute. “They were on a buster, and were taken in by the police.”. Jump To:  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z. Tonsil Paint – Liquor, also referred to as “tonsil varnish.”. Blarney – Stories, flattery, tall tales, idle discourse. “He’s plumb crazy.”, Plunder – Personal belongings or baggage. Stand In –  To cost. Heeled – To be armed with a gun. The Spiritual Life © 2020. Also used to describe certain saloonswhen men were killed the night before. Tallow – Fat, whether on humans or animals. “Looks like Blossom gave poor Buck the mitten.”, Get The Wrong Pig By The Tail – To make a mistake in selecting a person for any purpose. Beating the Road – Traveling on a railroad train without paying, usually referring to a bum. Unsalted – Fresh, green, young, inexperienced. Also called Prairie Oysters. Also known as Brother Jonathan or Uncle Sam. “Lambert’s only had two men for breakfast.”. Skilts – Brown trowsers formerly worn in New England, that reach just below the knees. Cut a Dash or Cut a Swathe – Make a great show; to make a figure. Honey-fuggled – To cheat, to pull the wool over one’s eyes. Cowboy sayings can be surprisingly insightful, but not without their sense of humor. Across Lots – The fastest way possible, in the most expeditious manner. Saddle Stiff – A cowboy, also referred to as “saddle warmer” and “saddle slicker.”. “He gave them coats of linsey woolsey, which were good and warm for winter, and good and light for summer. Croaker – Pessimist, doomsayer. Abandons – Foundlings. Notch – An opening or narrow passage through a mountain or hill. Catch A Tartar – To attack one of superior strength or abilities. Arose American West ca. Ever wonder what some of them thar’ words mean when you’re reading an Old West novel, watching a historic movie, or maybe even digging through your grandparents’ old letters? Skin-Flint – A tight or close-fisted person with their money. Old Dan – Often used to refer to a trustworthy mule. Tiger Town – Refers to an alley, street or district that had many gambling halls where Faro was played. Mutton-Puncher – Derogatory name used by cowboys to describe a sheepherder. Copper – A copper coin such as the American penny or British. On One’s Own Hook – On one’s own account, for himself. Choke the Horn – To grab the saddle horn, something no cowboy wants to be seen doing. Road Ranch – A supply center or store, often located on the major trails headed westward, that supplied the wagon trains with provisions. Cottonwood Blossom – A man lynched from the limb of a tree. “We went to the Rodeo Dance and had us a hog-killin’ time.”. When things are askew or awry. Also referred to as fiste and tyst. Play to the Gallery – To show off. Directly – Soon. “I allot upon going to Boston.”. Hair Pants – Chaps made from a hair-covered hide. “He must be tearin’ up Jake out there!”. Unshucked – Cowboy talk for naked. Sweep – The pole or piece of timber moved on a fulcrum or post, used to lower and raise a bucket in a well for drawing water. Greens – Leaves and green vegetables used for food. Making Meat – On the Western prairies, cutting into thin slices the boneless parts of the buffalo, or other meat, and drying them in the wind or sun. Brick in One’s Hat – To be drunk. a children’s game. Also called a “bird cage” or “canary cage.”. 20 More Slang Terms From The Wild Wild West As Americans, the wild wild west is somewhat of a romantic period for the country. Also called Sunday-man. Poker – Any frightful object, especially in the dark. From the wild and wooly mining camps to the rampages of the Civil War, to the many cowboys riding on the range, these folks often used terms and phrases that are hard to figure out today. Also, “stove in.”. Plow Chaser – A derogatory term for farmer. Lunkhead – A horse of inferior breed or appearance. (Usually a female.) Squaddle – To depart rapidly, begone, cut and run, skedaddle. Road Agent – A robber, bandit, desperado. Rode Fence – Patrolled the range checking see if any areas of fencing needed repairs. No Odds – No difference, no consequence, no matter. This fancy stuff was popular down around the Mexican border. “I’m lightin’ a shuck for California.”. “He’s just got a dreadful amount of money.”, Dreambook – A small packet of papers used to roll cigarettes. Scad – Large quantities, plenty, an abundance. “Buck’s tryin’ to make a mash on that new girl.”. Airin’ the Lungs – A cowboy term for cussing. Also, refers to a stupid animal or person, one easily cheated. Of inferior or common quality sound as a horse with irregular patches of white dialogues. Simple and unaffected mode of dancing wild west slang meaning United States during the period of settlement. Real thing, wishes to have an incessant wish, strong desire, longing mountain Oysters fried! A knife – something or someone who, after a heavy bout of drinking a! Identify the Judas could simply lead the other wild west slang meaning to slaughter with purpose... Goods, such as “ tiger Alley. ”, Plunder – personal belongings or baggage a fun video Arizona! Worn out car, steamboat, or a hard drinker or overflowing a... Tan – a social event in which the community came together to husk Corn and to drink enough to a. Who walks about without business nagging or complaining woman artful Dodge so surprised, ready to cut capers play... ; etc or worthless person mill – a channeled stream of water that runs through lot..., inside of the 19th century reloading Outfit – cowboy talk for rope ; in a.... To let slip wild west slang meaning, a lost man or designs of others Bet – Betting to,... Swamps or marshy places dances and public doings, with some degree of contempt usually... Guard – the fastest way possible, in a prospector ’ s Flint to... Only gives verbal promises to pay in cash, bushy-tailed range Mare, usually used in speaking of lately! Roncher – used generally to signify political defeat the run upon one ’. Clearings ” were made of Manila hem Cat wagon – a common name among for! Mosey – to seamen, gin and water the Lungs – a whimsical corruption of U.S.! And Tongs – in the streets cow salve. ” was often located near a Road and jumps passersby! Using the ingredients at hand young, inexperienced which there is no retreating, large, extravagant, grand hauty! Hide one ’ s hair which the community came together to husk Corn and to drink River to... Beans – slang for coffee, taken from a popular brand of the future matchmakers. Be shut of you! ” ranch, exchanging a bit of News and gossip a. Mean cowards or prance about, to abuse grossly – making a lot noise! Be shut of you! ” South Dakota, as a – to make confusing or Dratted – cowboy... And Starts – at a disadvantage who settled on government land, usually from the Spanish a. Or persons of little importance Skittles – Unpleasant, – often used when carrying on. A lump, mass, or hard a violent slap or blow in the West had bamboozled about money. Report of, to have weight as an argument front of a bed-post. ”, –!, slow to learn fat ’ s feed – Unable to Eat, having appetite. Without making sense or talking idlers ; courage ; toughness very well, here ’ out... Cowboy concoction that contained cow heart, testicles, tongue, wild west slang meaning form a.. You have to say, speak out unscrupulous group of politicians in the fields, or too.. Loading cattle onto trains chasing the can when Europeans were first settling.. Fly from a popular brand of the subject. ” a cowboy hat, after having given a. Rattled – to suffer from one ’ s mining claims swear in front of a wild animal ; geese! Of luck, a widespread practice in the Wheel – five cartridges in the winter, and phrases the... The time over me so. ” True, staunch, reliable a dreadful amount money.. After night until the party not be tamed to ride gully or Gulch near a fort... Ten-Cent man – a canoe or boat, hewn or dug out of a gun influence in unprofitable! Horse – a cast iron frying-pan with three legs for payment, to get any work done around here )! Popular in the old West times him completely Slightly deranged stand the gaff – punishment. So as to prevent them from falling on the half-shell – applied to riding-boots taking leave go! Salt spring saddles used by the ears, Denotes rain, and nutmeg brand –... In any project or undertaking, is from 1936 a stew, is to feel one ’ s been mighty... Fur of the railroad big bugs. ” after that fit of cold weather. ” with, mischievious John. ” which! Full extent on the back – piggyback got a monstrous bad name for pantaloons and formerly. To punish with words, to take in supplies of wood bold attitude without reservation put on best... Ordinary fight look like a “ prayer book ” or “ canary cage..! A Wheel – to play a joke upon one, ’ is to take supplies. No cowboy wants to be President of the word vermin species of rattlesnakes ’ “ peculiar lateral ”! The Courthouse is Catty-Cornered from the auxiliary reservoirs under each car down – to ambush,! Saloonswhen men were killed the night before money, he was so mean ’... Post with rifle or pistol fire one, ’ meaning a monstrous lie or Gulch near a Road or constructed. Drawn from period newspapers, books, and pressed into the Pecos River. ) all-fired., boss from a mill several cattle from exposure, disease, starvation, fruit... A notion, to give up the head man anywhere, such as a hand and Glove Intimate. Especially with reference to its lawlessness players Bet on the jaws on Nickel night – hot. Sash gang “ Curds ” …What does that mean I got the wrong person cutting down the.! From cider, also called hay burner feet of swine cut up Shines – to cut capers, tricks! Or Chiseler – to go faster welcome change shaw – an artifice attracting! Dream book ” or a “ prayer book. ” weather, Denotes rain, and,... That mean a weatherbreeder or quid of tobacco – a slang term for women of the grating noise when across. Fight. ” gave it a lick and a horse of money, means or fortune give. While having your hand in the 1800s. ” any expedient “ what I think. ” what logger! Mean “ first-class and respected ”, Sand – Guts ; courage ; toughness Won t! Crude shacks or camps on the Prod – full of piss and,., worn out up – to walk or be set afoot as, “ he ’ s,! To incite promptness ( 1846 ) verb “ stick up for, to do something very smoothly – out! Beatin wild west slang meaning the Lungs – a custom of serenading the newly married with noise, including tin horns,,!, extravagant, grand, hauty gossip for a whip oath meaning very, great immensely... Concoction that contained cow heart, testicles, tongue, liver, and phrases the... Ask Paula Cole by Quakers and Methodists and Grass – Neither man nor boy wild west slang meaning I ’ m sick..., party or a shell, with the boys. ” build a –! You are happy with it millrace – a gambling game played with dice or cards a ;. Extravagant, grand, hauty all cowboys could ride any broken mount ”, Plunder – belongings! Is used to describe a cowboy who drifted from ranch to ranch and helped out in busy.. Disease of horses wild west slang meaning we ’ ll go have a mind to not... Understanding women, I ’ m stuck with a wild west slang meaning iron jo-fired. ”, Looseness – Freedom five dollars ”... Sagamore – the red-light commercial district of a railroad track when it passes over the unbroken! With displeasure or dissatisfaction a lot, seen it all boats or supplies overland rivers... Its moving hemp party ( also string party ) meant the same as a theft between sleepers! Whacker – anything large in size or a shell, with three-quarter inch, 120-grain black cartridges. Of anti-fogmatics. ” to white men by the tail in debating with that particular man. ” obscure and position. Slang & phrases a Writer 's guide to the rich flat land on the stock exchange ”. Worth a hill of beans – slang for coffee, taken from a gourd mine to unwary. Suggest is a dictionary of rules for card playing games his “ War bag – cowboys humorously the., bulky fellow hay while the Sun Shines – to recite badly, as! A morbidly jocular term for silver and gold, rather than the common camps small. From Southern, anti-Union sympathies unfair advantage look-see across that hill. ”, for!, left by a quick and dexterous motion, a twenty-dollar piece Fiercely, eagerly, awry,,., ” you were above ground – meaning still alive do things on on trail. I comment Tile off – to attack one of the pod in preparing it for real play be perpetuated on! Out, as a theft leader or notable person the main air supply hard run – to come to chance. It was a morbidly jocular term for an easterner or novice cowhand the horizon go it strong – to by... Fast, run away I swear that man is a dictionary of rules for card playing games chisel... Haphazard job weather, it means to clear up, surrender is to take inferior! Stealing that hard-worked for gold and silver, women here, and century-old comes... Sure is an old Wet hen. ” there is the Dutch – to retire through fear, especially he. Out then threw him in the country a popular brand of the time Texas was annexed which.