Skull The head man anywhere, such as a miner owner or the president. I didnt know about a lot of thesewhen they first came into our language, etc. Sense of energetic worker is from 1884; sense of prostitute dates from 1924. Bonanza The discovery of an exceptionally rich vein of gold or silver. In the 1680s, the word meant lowest sill of a house. In March 1858, it entered American politics when James M. Hammond of South Carolina used the term derogatorily during a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. The insult lead-foot has done a 180-degree turn in meaning since the days of the Old West. I didnt know most of the words coming from Spanish, and GTT and the Pecos terms were new to me. Want to bring back some of the quaint and clever Old West insults and add them to your vocabulary? He got scooped into a poker game and lost his shirt.. Squatter One who settles on land without legal title, a widespread practice in the West. They moved like they had feet made of heavy lead. Slang The ever-evolving bastardization of the written and spoken language as a result of social and cultural idolization of uneducated, unitelligable celebrities. Sidewinder Concealed Carry System. In mining and Old West slang, a sourdough was an experienced prospector, or a veteran in his field.. Simon Pure The real thing, a genuine fact. Seven by Nine Something or someone of inferior or common quality. Sometimes called in Indian languages a would be woman and sometimes thought of as a third sex. Sportsman A term often applied to a gambler. This was the era before refrigeration, so the gut-wagon was, especially in the summer, a steaming pile of bloody, smelly carnage that attracted all sorts of scavengers. Sharps Any firearm manufactured Christian Sharps for his Sharps Rifle Company. Bed Ground Where cattle are held at night. Buster Anything large in size or a man of great strength. American English, c. 1889. Have heard or read most of these. The word heel took on that very meaning in 1810. Some of the terms are self explanatory, while others are really quite creative. ShaverA child or young person of either sex; What a cute little shaver., Shaver One that is close in bargains, or a sharp dealer. The poor, uneducated hick was the one with the red neck. ( baseball, colloquial) A pitcher who throws sidearm. He is small potatoes.. 5. Air: Short for aerial. Biggest Toad in the Puddle The most important person in a group. High Quality: These rotary cutter blades are made of high-quality steel for the durability you need to get back to work. Switch In To bring in quickly, to incite promptness. Oddly, nut also became a metaphorical term for head about 1846, probably arising from the use of nuts to describe a mental state. Owlhoot: outlaw. Bible A small packet of papers used to roll cigarettes. Bucket of Blood A violence-prone frontier saloon. 1. Most of these terms have never found their way into the majority of Western novels or movies. "No great scratch.". $249.00. We are off for the day on a regular bat. Skeezick, skeesick A mean contemptible fellow. Ive got a long slipe to go.. Mmm, memories. This cute lil shaver hangs a stocking for Santa in 1901. A favorite Old West insult that is still in use today, the first time we have documented proof of the use of redneck was in 1830. It was done in lieu of stitching the deceaseds eyelids shut, which is a common funeral practice now. Bubbler - This is another word for a "water fountain" or "drinking fountain." The term is most commonly heard in Wisconsin, but can occasionally be heard in the bordering states of Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois. Sidewinder | sku: . Note that this thesaurus is not in any way affiliated with Urban Dictionary. Savey or Sabby Corrupted from the Spanish saber, to know.To know, to comprehend. Arose American west c. 1875 as a reference to some species of rattlesnakes' "peculiar lateral movement." Son of a gun: politer version of the epithet "son of a bitch," indicating extreme contempt. To save one's bacon. Screw One who squeezes all he can out of those with whom he has any dealings, an extortioner, miser. Slab-sided Straight, stiff. When you use the word awesome, you're expressing that you think something is wonderful or amazing. ( slang, dated) A heavy swinging blow from the side which disables an adversary. Skilts Brown trowsers formerly worn in New England, that reach just below the knees. 26225 Blade Sidewinder. Arose during the American Civil War. Scratch - To come to the encounter, begin a fight, i.e. Box Herder The person in charge of the girls at a brothel or saloon. 14. Bhoy A rowdy young man, reveler or ruffian. Hogleg: large revolver. Sometimes also used to indicate cheap wall paint. Bacon Meaning to save ones self from injury. To peep out suddenly from a hiding place, and cry bo! Banco or Bunko Steerer or Roper A sharper, confidence-trick man. Sometimes a herd of cattle would come upon a meadow of fresh green grass and gorge themselves until their abdomens were dangerously distended. Of course, "ope" isn't the only terminology to come from the Midwest! An air-to-air missile that homes in on a target by a heat-seeking device. Sidewinder is slang for a heavy swinging blow from the side Slang for a heavy swinging blow from the side, which disables an adversary Small pale-colored desert rattlesnake of southwestern United States (Logging) A limb or sapling that is bent under a tree that has been felled Swate A violent slap or blow in the face with the open hand. Betty A pear-shaped bottle wound around with straw which contains Italian olive oil. Folks didnt think too highly of someone if they referred to them as above snakes. That was a polite way of calling someone a low life. Interestingly, whippersnapper is one of the insults most commonly associated with the Old West, but there is much evidence to suggest it wasnt used at all during that era. I want to be shut of you!. Arose American West ca. Sidewinder Grand Canyon Arizona black Great Basin Tiger Banded rock Western diamondback Twin-spotted Southwestern speckled Arizona ridge-nosed Northern black-tailed Prairie rattlesnake The Mojave rattlesnake shakes its rattler to sound alarm when it is threatened. And means, to hang about. Dude: a fastidious man; fop or clotheshorse. Dry-gulch: to ambush someone, particularly in a cowardly manner. Also called a dream book or a prayer book.. Ain't Pronunciation: 'Ant Etymology: Contraction of are not Date: 1778 Am not: are not: is not Have not: has not Again, based on the reputation of Texass Pecos River area. Originally applied to Scottish immigrants who wore red neck scarves during the American Colonial period, the word shifted meaning as it traveled west, possibly in reference to the notion farmers necks became sunburned because they looked down as they worked in their fields, leaving the backs of their necks exposed. Loco: Borrowed from Spanish about 1844, the word has the same meaning in both languages: insane. Loco-weed, meaning a species of plants that make cattle behave strangely, arose about 1877. You dirty, lowdown sidewinder! Scratch To come to the encounter, begin a fight, i.e. Back Seats An obscure and modest position, usually referring to politics. But there was a bit more to it than that. These small fries are up to no good behind the barn, photo by E.W. The poorest farmers ones who couldnt afford hats had sunburns on the backs of their necks from working in their fields with their heads looking down. Satinet A twilled cloth made of cotton and wool. Also means to turn aside, or start, as a horse, to sheer. Beat the Dutch To beat all or beat the devil. 1. They're also guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face, no. Sagamore The title of a chief or ruler among some of the American tribes of Indians. Thanks for an interesting post. Sound on the Goose True, staunch, reliable. Spill A strip of paper rolled up to light a lamp or or a cigar. Im still not certain that I can dismiss the moons influence given that it controls the oceans tides. Been Through the Mill Been through a lot, seen it all. Not all of the recruits were former slaves; most were free blacks of Northern parentage and many had served with distinction during the Civil War. Slick Up To dress up or make make fine. Give the sidewinder. Kathleen, what an interesting collection of terms! A common idiom during the 1800s was "Well, I'll be hornswoggled!" Other. Whippersnapper: young, presumptuous and/or impertinent person. Also applies to ambushers. American West/Cowboy - Vocabulary and Slang. Thanks for sharing. Slump To recite badly, fail, bungle, awkward. Scranch To crunch, crack, or break any hard thing between the teeth. Dan Post Men's Bucklace Stagecoach Western Boot - Snip Toe. Arose American west c. 1875 as a reference to some species of rattlesnakes peculiar lateral movement.. Sadying A simple and unaffected mode of dancing. By 1884, meaning had shifted to energetic worker. The sense prostitute arose c. 1924. ya = you. To Smutch To blacken with smoke, soot, or coal. Bouncing Large, heavy. No products in the cart Close. The gut-wagon went from butcher to butcher, collecting the animal guts, bones, and other organic byproducts from the days butchering and meat processing. Sidewinders are the fastest-moving rattlesnakes. YOUR20. NOW IN A BOOK FORMMore Terms, Expanded Definitions + Reverse Lookup + More Pictures. Blow Out A feast; also called a tuck out. Buckle To Set about any task with energy and a determination. In the cold winter, however, the molasses got thicker and stiffer, making it challenging to pour it out of the jug. Scraps - The dry, husky, and skinny residuum of melted fat. They dont yet know their own limitations. Santiago Coronados favorite charge was Santiago, Spanish for St.James, Spains soldier saint. Rattlesnaked: ambushed (literally or figuratively) in a particularly devious or cunning way. or Best Offer. Also means intoxicated. Bigmouth: a person who talks too much, usually about something another doesnt want discussed. Bear Sign A cowboy term for donuts made while they were on the range. In the U.S., sidewinders can only be found in four states: Western Arizona Southeastern California Southern Nevada Southwestern Utah They are also native to parts of northern Mexico, close to the border (Sonora and Baja California). Old West settlers borrowed this insult from the Spanish sometime in the 1840s. Sidewinder - A small, pale-colored desert rattlesnake that moves in an s-shaped curve. Split Fair Tell the truth, divulge, inform. Bullboat A craft with a willow frame covered by buffalo hide. That happened because Southerners hated the Union soldiers. It can be used to describe a person or an event. Also, stove in.. a childrens game. Pronounced, and sometimes spelled, "batch". It really didnt appear until westerns became a popular movie genre years after the real Old West era. This insult was first documented in 1875 and was often used to describe con men and swindlers. Panhandle: to beg. Well done, good job, good for you. So to insult someone by saying that they arent fit to shoot at when you want to unload and clean your gun, you were really saying that person isnt even worthy of your unwanted bullets. 3. Beginning in the 1840s, the uniform of Mexican soldiers featured a wide yellow sash that draped over the belly. Sidewinder: dangerously cunning or devious person. Back Staircase A derisive term for a bustle. These 11 Midwest slang terms are sure to bring all Midwesterners back to their childhood, especially if they have since moved away. Stuff A weak, worthless person, one without energy. Squally A sailors word for windy, gusty. These indexes are then used to find usage correlations between slang terms. 1. The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but some historians think the Americans borrowed it from the British. (Terms for food are here, women here, outlaws here, and gambling here.). Berdache An Indian male who dressed and lived entirely as a woman, fulfilling a cultural role within the tribe. Sawdust Counterfeit gold-dust or money. Stretchin the Blanket Telling a tall tale. Pistolero: expert with a handgun. Spider A cast iron frying-pan with three legs. Ballyhoo Sales talk, advertising, exaggeration. Bustles had a number of names including bird cage and canary cage. Dan Post Men's Exotic Python Western Boots - Snip Toe. thanks for sharing with us today. The term originated in New York City c. 1880-1885; antecedents uncertain. Also means to spur a horse. Dan Post Men's 13" Skull Face Tall Western Boot - Snip Toe. MENU MENU. Barbers Clerk A conceited, over-dressed fellow who tries to act like a gentleman.. To Saw To hoax, to play a joke upon one. Cowboys used the phrase duded up to mean dressed up. Contemporary usage of dude as a minor term of endearment or indication of spiritual kinship arose in Californias surfer culture during the latter half of the 20th century. Beef Tea Shallow water where cows have stood. To Look Blue At Someone To look at one with displeasure or dissatisfaction. Interesting to know when they came about. Free shipping. Cushioned insole. Snipper-Snapper An effeminate young man; a trifler. Black To look black at one is to look at one with anger or deep resentment. Streaked or Streaky Frightened, annoyed, confused, alarmed. howdy partner = hi there friend. He would be doomed. Originally used to describe fishes, the word became American slang c. 1866. To come to the scratch. American English. Bed-post A moment, an instant, jiffy. Had heard of some of these, but not all. Spike Team A wagon drawn by three horses, or by two oxen and a horse. Stars A Southern pronunciation of the word stairs, like bar for bear. Bronc Buster A cowboy who could tame wild horses. Cyrus Noble Whiskey Ad showing Faro Players, Bucking the Tiger Playing Faro or poker. Soft Soap or Soft Sawder Flattery; blarney. Im away from the shop and away from my work, Batting His Eyes A gamblers term for men who look on but dont play. So interestingas always! Interesting. The all new Western Sidewinder rifle's velocity control wheel can regulate pellet or slug speeds from quiet back yard target shooting to power levels capable of Coyote size game depending on the caliber choice. "A ways". During the hot summer months, the molasses had a thinner, runnier consistency. Cackleberries: Eggs. Instead, they wait for another fish to make a kill and they take a portion of the carcass that falls to the bottom. Grab the underwear with two hands and lift the person into the air. Bulldoze To bully, threaten, or coerce. Quick view. Sketchy - A term that originated in Boston but is now used all over the United States, sketchy is a synonym of "suspicious" or "out of place". From the Spanish buscadero, literally a searcher. Cowboy vocabulary: howdy = hi. A whippersnapper was a young upstart: an arrogant, sassy smart mouth. Shack A vagabond, a low fellow. Stickup: robbery at gunpoint. Squibob A term applied in contempt or indifference. Sagebrush MenCowboywho worked in the arid portions of Montana, Colorado and Wyoming. The two other subspecies are: Sonoran Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cercobombus)-This snake makes its home in Sonora, Mexico, and southern Arizona.It's a little different in appearance from the Crotalus cerastes in that it has black on the bottom of its rattle. ( slang) A person who is untrustworthy and dangerous. Arose 1887 from the earlier (1846) verb stick up, meaning to rob someone at gunpoint. Arose in Britain in 1788 as a reference to paupers occupying vacant buildings; first recorded use in the American west 1880. There could be another explanation for the insult. In time, however, the newcomers feet toughened up and the calluses protected them from the sharp stones. Slipe A distance. Hooey: Slang term for nonsense, as in That's the biggest bunch of hooey I've ever heard! By Good Rights By right, by strict justice, entitled. Sakes Alive The equivalent of Good heavens!. Set Store By To set value upon, to appreciate. Gunman: shootist; gunfighter. The archaic noun stick-up arose ca. Some expressions don't carry over from province to province. Middle English _lunatik_, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French _lunatic_, from Late Latin _lunaticus_, from Latin _luna_; from the belief that lunacy fluctuated with the phases of the moon. Skid A piece of light timber from ten to twenty feet in length, upon which heavier timber or other supplies are rolled or slid from place to place. Im stuck with a counterfeit note. Previously (dating to the 1660s), heeler described a person who attached heels to shoes. An insult that was often hurled around during fights and barroom brawls, son of a gun lacked the vulgarity of its profane cousin, son of a bitch, but could be just as hurtful. Part of the fun of this language is learning how to speak it for yourself, so Settle Ones Hash To properly punish one. Quit beatin the devil around the stump and ask that girl to marry you.. OW, OW, OW, OW. Broken Wind A lung infection in horses. 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. The word is pure Hollywood, from the early days of western movies. Scoop in Trick, entice, inveigle. Signalize To communicate information by means of signals or telegraph. Band wagon - peddler's wagon. Beef To kill. Blue-Skins A nickname applied to the Presbyterians, from their alleged grave deportment. Small Fry Young children or persons of little importance. Scape Gallows One who has escaped, though deserving of the gallows. It can be used in a sentence or it could be used in a one-word reply. All material is copy written by Sidewinder. crazy, appeared about 1898; nut as a substitute for crazy person didnt arrive until 1903. Born Days All ones lifetime; since one was born. Splashing Talking without making sense or talking too much. Yellow dog: contemptible person. Buffalo Soldiers Black soldiers of the U.S. army who fought Indians and policed the frontier in the years following the Civil War. Slommack Prostitute, floozie, slut, or dirty untidy woman.. Blarney Stories, flattery, tall tales, idle discourse. Originated from common window panes of that size. Always interesting to read your posts on word origins and meanings. Wow, what a fun list! U.S. slang dating to 1886; of uncertain origin. Slicker A group of vigilantes who operated in Missouri in the first half of the 19th Century. A pregnant wife would give birth on the ship, literally next to the gun carriage. I have the blue devils today.. Our grandparents and great-grandparents used molasses, the thick black byproduct left over when sugar is refined, much more than we do today. Neat to see where some of these words come from. Of those with whom he has any dealings, an extortioner, miser some historians think the borrowed. 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