Western Slang, Lingo, and Phrases – A Writer’s Guide to the Old West

The American West, a period etched in history with tales of pioneers, cowboys, and gold rushes, holds a unique linguistic heritage. For writers, understanding the nuances of Western slang, lingo, and phrases is crucial to authentically portraying this vibrant era. This guide serves as a glossary of terms, offering a glimpse into the colorful vocabulary that defined the Old West. Whether you’re crafting a historical novel, writing a screenplay, or simply curious about the language of the frontier, this collection will help you navigate the parlance of yesteryear.

The language of the Old West was as diverse and rugged as the landscape itself. Shaped by the experiences of miners, ranchers, soldiers, and settlers from various backgrounds, Western slang, lingo, and phrases reflected the challenges and triumphs of life on the frontier. From the bustling mining camps to the vast cattle ranches, a distinctive vocabulary emerged, characterized by colorful metaphors, regional dialects, and borrowed terms from Native American and Spanish languages. This lexicon provides insight into the daily lives, social customs, and unique perspectives of the people who shaped the American West.

Delving into Western slang, lingo, and phrases is like uncovering a treasure trove of cultural history. Many of these terms offer a window into the values, humor, and hardships of the time. Some phrases were born out of necessity, describing the tools, tasks, and environment of the frontier. Others were used to express emotions, convey social status, or simply add a touch of color to everyday conversations. By understanding the context and meaning behind these words, writers can breathe life into their characters and create a truly immersive reading experience. Let’s explore some of the most interesting and evocative examples, starting with terms beginning with the letter "A."

Terms Beginning with "A"

• Abisselfa: A simple yet direct term meaning "by itself."

• Abandons: This word had a somber meaning, referring to foundlings or, more commonly, street prostitutes.

• Above-Board: Indicating honesty and transparency, "above-board" meant in plain sight, without any deceit or trickery.

• Above One’s Bend: Beyond one’s capabilities or reach, signifying something unattainable.

• Above Snakes: A rather morbid phrase, "above snakes" meant still alive, or "above ground."

• Absquatulate: A humorous and somewhat dramatic way to say "to leave" or "disappear."

• Ace in the Hole: This term referred to a hideout or a concealed weapon, a valuable asset in a dangerous world.

• Ace-High: Its meaning depended on the context. It could signify something of the highest quality and respect, or a winning hand in a poker game.

• According to Hoyle: Signifying that something was done correctly and by the rules, referencing Edmond Hoyle, an authority on games.

• Acknowledge the Corn: This colorful phrase meant to admit the truth, confess a lie, or acknowledge an obvious shortcoming.

• Acock: To be knocked over, defeated, astounded, or suddenly surprised.

• Acorn Calf: A term for a weak or runty calf.

• Acquisitive: Used to describe booty or plunder.

• Acreocracy: Referring to the power or influence held by landlords.

• Across Lots: Taking the fastest route possible, in the most expeditious manner.

• Actual: Simply meaning "money."

• Adam’s Ale: A humorous term for water.

• Addle-headed: Describing someone who is empty-headed or not very intelligent.

• Addle-pot: A spoilsport.

• Advantage – Pocket advantage: Carrying a concealed derringer in a coat pocket, ready for quick use. This could even involve firing the weapon through the pocket.

• Afeared: Simply meaning "scared" or "frightened."

• Afterclaps: Unexpected events that occur after something is supposed to be over.

• Afly: To become an expert at something.

• Agee, Ajee: Meaning askew or crooked.

• A Hog-Killin’ Time: A phrase denoting a very good time. "We went to the Rodeo Dance and had us a hog-killin’ time."

• Airin’ the Lungs: A cowboy euphemism for cursing.

• Airin’ the Paunch: To vomit or regurgitate, often after excessive drinking.

• Airish: A little cool.

• Air Line Road: A railroad track running straight across the level prairie.

• Airtights: Canned goods, such as canned beans, milk, or fruit.

• Alfalfa Desperado: A derogatory term used by cowboys to refer to farmers.

• A Lick and a Promise: To do a haphazard or incomplete job.

• All Abroad: At a loss or not comprehending something.

• All Beer and Skittles: Unpleasant, not so happy.

• All Down But Nine: Missing the point or not understanding, referencing missing all nine pins in bowling.

• All-fired: Very, great, immensely; used for emphasis. "He is just too all-fired lazy to get any work done around here." Variants included "hell-fired" and "jo-fired."

• Allers: Always.

• All My Eye: Nonsense, untrue.

• All Over: Bearing a resemblance to some particular object.

• All-overish: Feeling uncomfortable. "I was just all-overish around that steely-eyed man."

• All the Caboose: Everywhere.

• All the Shoot: The whole assembly, all the party.

• All to Pieces: Completely, absolutely.

• Allot Upon: To intend or form a purpose. "I allot upon going to Boston."

• All-Standing: Without preparation, suddenly.

• Ambush: A humorous reference to the scales used by merchants, implying they were always "lying in weight" to cheat customers.

• Among the Willows: Dodging the law.

• Amputate Your Timber, or mahogany: A colorful way to tell someone to go away or run off.

• Anasazi: Navajo for "ancient ones," referring to an ancient tribe of the Southwest. Some say it means "ancient enemies" or "ancient ancestors."

• Angelicas: Young unmarried women.

• Anglomaniacs: A derogatory term for those "back east" who were seen as overly English.

• Angoras: Hair-covered, goat-hide chaps, especially useful in cold weather.

• Annex: To steal, a term popularized during the annexation of Texas.

• Anti-fogmatic: Raw rum or whiskey. "I see that bartender is mixing a couple of anti-fogmatics."

• Anti-goglin: Lopsided.

• Apple: The saddle horn.

• Apple Jack: A liquor distilled from cider, also called cider brandy.

• Apple Peeler: Pocket Knife

• Apple Pie Order: In top shape, perfect order.

• Arbuckle’s: Slang for coffee, taken from a popular brand of the time. "I need a cup of Arbuckle’s."

• Argufy: Argue, to have weight as an argument.

• Argy: Argue.

• Arikara (also Arikaree): Believed to mean "horns," after this tribe’s custom of wearing hair ornaments made of bone.

• Arkansas Toothpick: A long, sharp knife. Also known as a California or Missouri toothpick.

• Armas: The Spanish forerunner of chaps, large pieces of cowhide fastened to the saddle to protect the legs.

• Ary: Either.

• Ash-Hopper: A lie cask, or box for ashes, resembling a hopper in a mill.

• Ask No Adds: Ask no favor.

• At Sea: At a loss, not comprehending. "When it comes to understanding women, I’m at sea."

• Attitudinize: To assume an affected attitude.

• Atween: Between.

• Atwixt: Between. "There were hard feelings atwixt them."

• Auger: The big boss.

• Axle Grease: Butter.

This compilation provides a valuable resource for writers seeking to imbue their work with the authentic voice of the Old West. The rich tapestry of Western slang, lingo, and phrases offers endless opportunities to create compelling characters and vivid scenes. As you continue to explore the lexicon of the American frontier, remember that language is a powerful tool for bringing history to life.