30+ Extremely Strange Slang Terms From The Wild West

Old West slang offers a glimpse into the world of cowboys, pioneers, and outlaws during a romanticized but often misunderstood period. It immerses you in the frontier better than watching Westerns or playing Oregon Trail. Explore this unique language for a taste of the Wild West.

High-Falutin’

“High-falutin'” is an informal slang term used to describe something as pretentious, pompous, or overly elaborate, often with an air of self-importance or grandiosity. It’s a way of mocking or criticizing things that are perceived as overly highbrow or fancy.

Catawampus

“Catawampus” is an informal American slang term used to describe something that is askew, crooked, or not aligned properly. It can also be used to mean something that is disorganized or not functioning correctly.

Wikimedia Commons
Source:

Wikimedia Commons

Backdoor Trots

Basically having diarrhea.

Leaky Mouth

What a person talks or gossips too much.

Prairie Coal

Refers to dried cow manure used to fuel fires.

Wobblin’ Jaw

This is what a person gets when they talk or gossip too much.

Higgledy-Piggledy

Describes a state of confusion.

California Widow

Refers to a woman who is separated from her husband, but is not divorced.

Four-Flusher

A “four-flusher” is an informal slang term used to describe someone who is a dishonest bluffer or a person who pretends to be something they are not. It typically refers to someone who engages in deceitful or insincere behavior, often in an attempt to gain an advantage or deceive others.

Barkin’ At A Knot

An informal American slang phrase used to describe someone’s actions or efforts that are futile, pointless, or ineffective.

Guttersnipe

This describes a child who is dirty, poorly dressed, and often homeless or living on the streets.

Toad Strangler

A heavy rain or downpour in the old west.

Raisin’ Sand

Causing a disturbance, making a commotion, or creating a noisy and disruptive situation.

Barkin’ Irons

It refers to the act of firing guns or firearms. “Barkin'” in this context implies the loud, sharp noise made when guns are discharged, similar to the sound of a dog barking. “Irons” is a slang term for guns or firearms.

Five Beans In The Wheel

Five bullets in a six-chambered revolver or six-gun.

Scamper Juice

Whiskey in the old west.

Paintin’ Your Nose

Talks about getting drunk.

Lincoln Skins

Paper money or cash.

Nibbler

This is a small-time, petty thief.

Slumguzzling

Engaging in deceptive or fraudulent behavior.

Black-Eyed Susan

Refers to a six-chambered revolver pistol or six-gun.

Bag Of Nails

A phrase that can be used to describe a situation or place that is in disarray, chaos, or disorder. It’s often used to convey the idea of something being messy, untidy, or in a state of confusion.