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’
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“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.
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Source:
Wikimedia Commons
Backdoor Trots
Basically having diarrhea.
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Source:
pixabay
Leaky Mouth
What a person talks or gossips too much.
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Source:
facebook
Prairie Coal
Refers to dried cow manure used to fuel fires.
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Source:
pexels
Wobblin’ Jaw
This is what a person gets when they talk or gossip too much.
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facebook
Higgledy-Piggledy
Describes a state of confusion.
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Source:
Wikimedia Commons
California Widow
Refers to a woman who is separated from her husband, but is not divorced.
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facebook
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.
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Source:
Wikimedia Commons
Barkin’ At A Knot
An informal American slang phrase used to describe someone’s actions or efforts that are futile, pointless, or ineffective.
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Source:
Wikimedia Commons
Guttersnipe
This describes a child who is dirty, poorly dressed, and often homeless or living on the streets.
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Wikimedia Commons
Toad Strangler
A heavy rain or downpour in the old west.
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Source:
pexels
Raisin’ Sand
Causing a disturbance, making a commotion, or creating a noisy and disruptive situation.
Source:
Wikimedia Commons
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.
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Five Beans In The Wheel
Five bullets in a six-chambered revolver or six-gun.
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facebook
Scamper Juice
Whiskey in the old west.
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Paintin’ Your Nose
Talks about getting drunk.
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Lincoln Skins
Paper money or cash.
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Wikimedia Commons
Nibbler
This is a small-time, petty thief.
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facebook
Slumguzzling
Engaging in deceptive or fraudulent behavior.
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Black-Eyed Susan
Refers to a six-chambered revolver pistol or six-gun.
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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.
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Wikimedia Commons
Blatherskite
This is an overly talkative, annoying person.
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Wikimedia Commons
Greasy Belly
The designated cook in a cowboy camp.
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Wikimedia Commons
Of The First Water
When something or someone is first-rate or excellent.
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Wikimedia Commons
Beetle-Crushers
A term referring to feet.
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Wikimedia Commons
Honey-Fuggled
When a person is tricked, treated or swindled.
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Source:
Wikimedia Commons
Pirooting
Basically having physical intimacy
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Wikimedia Commons
Hair In The Butter
A delicate situation.
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Source:
Flickr
Get The Mitten
Being rejected by a potential lover, eg., “Sally gave him the mitten.”
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Wikimedia Commons
Crawl His Hump
Someone looking for a fight.
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Source:
Wikimedia Commons
Coffee Boiler
Someone lazy or shirks at their responsibilities.
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Source:
Wikimedia Commons
See The Elephant
Going to town or to travel to a new location for the very first time.
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Wikimedia Commons
Fork A Hoss
Riding a horse.
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Source:
Wikimedia Commons
Excuse-Me-Ma’am
Just a literal bump on the road.
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Wikimedia Commons
Knock Galley West
Beating someone senseless.
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Source:
Flicrk
Calf Slobbers
Refers to the meringue on the top of a pie.
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Wikimedia Commons
Seven By Nine
When someone or something is of average or inferior quality.
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Flickr
Mouldy Grubs
A derogatory term for traveling showmen of the time.
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Wikimedia Commons
Feeze
Refers to a state of excitement.
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