Wyoming is a state in Western USA. With windswept plains and crowded national parks, Wyoming is one of the most beautiful and visited states in the United States. Home to the most dramatic peaks, unique geology and diverse wildlife, it is difficult to know where to start in such a vast and beautiful area, with stunning valleys where wild buffalo roam and where there are some of the most incredible landscapes in the world. Just like most states there’s unique slang to it that only the people living there use. If you’re thinking of visiting and want to get closer to the experience of a local, then knowing these slang expressions would help a lot. Without further delay, let’s take a look at the most emblematic and coolest Wyoming slangs you need to know!
Dout
Dout which may sound similar to douse, stands for extinguish. For example if you’re out camping and you have a bonfire lit, right before going to sleep you’ll want to dout that flame.
Wyoming is home to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most famous places in the USA for its beauty, this is the first canyon of Yellowstone Falls and is worth every minute of the visit. They are almost 40 km long with 300 to 400 meters wide at various points. In fact, it is difficult to understand how gigantic this canyon is until you see it with your own eyes. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is truly a sight to be enjoyed by lovers of nature and the outdoors.
Spinning Cookies
Have you ever gone drifting. If you spin the car around the tires begin to burn on the asphalt, leaving behind tire marks. These are also called car donuts as it’s usually done in circles, and the act of doing it in Wyoming is known as spinning cookies.
Wyoming is also home to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of the most renowned mountain resorts is in Wyoming. Jackson is almost 2 km above sea level and is full of untouched sites, lots of trees and streams. In the center of town is Town Square, also known as George Washington Memorial Park, and when it comes to things to do, this city is second to none. You can go kayaking on the Snake River, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, and enjoy many restaurants, gift shops, spas and art galleries anytime. You can even enjoy some old-fashioned shootings if you visit the right area of the city. Jackson is definitely one of the places to visit in Wyoming that should be considered “must-see”.
Greenies
Normally greenie would refer to someone who is new to something, such as a task or an event. A newbie. But when it comes to Wyoming the word holds another meaning. It refers to residents of Colorado, because they use green license plates for driving.
Wyoming is also home to Hayden Valley, home to a wonderful variety of wildlife. If you love wildlife, Hayden Valley is your place. Full of animals like moose, brown bears, coyotes and buffalo, there is more wildlife here than anywhere else in Yellowstone. Add that to the beautiful panoramic views that you will experience wherever you are, and you will understand why Hayden Valley is an unknown but extraordinary place to visit.
Barking Squirrel
Barking squirrel is an animal but not exactly a squirrel. What do you imagine when you hear barking squirrel? The right answer is prairie dog. You can’t deny the similarities, this slang is solely based on the appearance and noise prairie dogs make.
Wyoming is also home to Jenny Lake, one of the most visited areas of the Grand Teton National Park. Jenny Lake has such clear water that it is possible to see to the bottom of the lake and it looks like a mirage, it is so clear. With peaks and valleys in the background, this lake is perfect for photos and once there, it is worth at least getting your feet wet.
Gully Washer
Gully Washer is Wyoming slang for heavy rain, and refers to the phenomenon of sudden intense rain that most times doesn’t last long.
Wyoming is also home to Lake Taggart, a stunning area for nature lovers to explore in Wyoming. Although this lake is considered to be one of the smallest in Grand Teton National Park, it cannot be left off your list when visiting Wyoming. Set in a mountain setting, with lots of trees and beautiful landscapes around it that are breathtaking. In fact, if you want to enjoy the picturesque Grand Tetons from an incredible point of view, this is where you want to be. When visiting the many lakes in the park, you should never forget this one.
Buckle Bunny
When you call someone buckle bunny you’re basically claiming that they like cowboys. How is this possible? There’s a lot of people who are rodeo cowboys in Wyoming and there are also those attracted to them. So people from Wyoming call them buckle bunnies.
Brisket
Back with more cowboy slang, this time we’re talking about a tool used for horse riding. Brisket usually refers to a type of meat, but in Wyoming it stands for the horn found on a horse’s saddle.
Wyoming Slangs FAQs
1. Why learn Wyoming slang expressions?
Because not everything is going to be conferences. It helps you show that you know how to adapt to different contexts. Often, we confuse speaking a language well with sounding pedantic or impressing, but the important thing is not always to say complicated words, but to adapt to each situation. And in many contexts, handling slang will make you look much better than using “academic” English.
2. How can learning slang words and sayings help you fit in your destination better?
To look native. English speakers, especially North Americans, use slang constantly in their day-to-day lives. If you want to understand them and make yourself understood, this vocabulary is essential.
3. What else is Wyoming known for?
Wyoming has a wonderful historic victory on its record books; In 1869, it became the first state to allow women to vote. Perhaps that is why it is known as the “State of Equality.” It’s the 10th largest state but has the smallest population, barely registering 550,000 inhabitants. Another quality that has made the state famous is that almost 96% of Yellowstone National Park is in this state. The remaining area of the park is in Montana and Idaho. Wyoming is a major producer of coal, which plays an important role in its economy. With such a small population, there is always room for more. The people are friendly, and the scenery will make you feel like you are inside a photograph.