Here are 12 Words You’ll Only Understand if you Hail from Colorado

Howdy, Coloradans and fellow Rocky Mountain adventurers! Get ready to embark on a linguistic journey through the Centennial State, where the air is thin, the powder is fresh, and the green chile is smokin’ hot. From bagging 14ers to enjoying a bluebird day on the slopes, Colorado’s vocabulary is as diverse and exhilarating as our outdoor playground. So grab your skis, saddle up, and join us as we uncover 12 words that’ll have you shouting “cowabunga” from the peaks to the plains!

Fourteener

Refers to a mountain peak in Colorado that exceeds 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) in elevation, with the state being home to 58 such peaks, popular among hikers and climbers seeking adventure and stunning views.

Colorado Kool-Aid

Coors beer.

Ski Bum

Refers to a person who spends a significant amount of time skiing or snowboarding, often living a laid-back lifestyle focused on outdoor recreation and enjoying the winter sports culture of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

The Springs

Colorado Springs

Powder Day

Refers to a day when fresh, fluffy snow blankets the ski slopes, creating ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding, eagerly awaited by snow enthusiasts in Colorado’s ski resorts.

14er

A shortened term for “Fourteener,” used colloquially by Coloradans to refer to any mountain peak in the state exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation, reflecting the state’s unique mountainous terrain.

Front Range

Refers to the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where cities such as Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs are located, known for its stunning views and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Green Chile

Refers to a type of chili pepper commonly used in Colorado cuisine, particularly in dishes like green chile stew and smothered burritos, which has become a signature flavor of the state’s culinary scene.

Chinook

Refers to a warm, dry wind that occasionally occurs in Colorado, particularly in the winter months, which can lead to rapid temperature increases and snowmelt, impacting weather patterns and outdoor activities.

Mountain Town

Refers to a small town or community located in the mountains of Colorado, known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and laid-back lifestyle, often attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

14er Bagging

Refers to the activity of hiking or climbing multiple Fourteeners in Colorado, often pursued as a personal challenge or accomplishment by outdoor enthusiasts seeking to conquer the state’s highest peaks.

Rockfall

Refers to the phenomenon of rocks or boulders falling or tumbling down a mountainside, which can pose hazards to hikers, climbers, and motorists traveling through Colorado’s mountainous regions.