Here are 24 Slang Terms You’ll Only Understand if you’re from Oregon

Step into the quirky and diverse linguistic landscape of Oregon, where the locals have crafted a tapestry of slang that reflects the state’s eclectic culture. In this blog post, we’ll unravel 24 distinctive slang terms that resonate with Oregonians, from playful nicknames for cities to expressions rooted in the region’s rich outdoor lifestyle. Whether you’re a proud Oregon native or a curious outsider, get ready to delve into the linguistic nuances that make the Beaver State’s vernacular truly one-of-a-kind.

Beaver Fever

A playful term referring to the intense enthusiasm or pride associated with being an Oregonian, inspired by the state’s nickname, the Beaver State.

The Mountain is Out

Our way of saying you can see Mt. Hood now

Jojos

Potatoe wedges. Jojos aren’t just normal potato wedges: a real jojo is a potato wedge that’s been breaded, pressure fried and spiced.

Sunbreak

A local term for a brief period of sunshine during an otherwise cloudy or rainy day, highlighting Oregon’s unpredictable weather.

Spendy

Expensive. “That organic wine is way too spendy, just get the other stuff.”

Sunbreak

A moment of sunshine. A sunbreak is a rare-but-happy moment between clouds when the sun shines down.

Couve

Slang for Vancouver, Washington, just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon.

Duck

Refers to the University of Oregon’s mascot, the Ducks. Commonly used in the context of college sports and team spirit.

Timber

Associated with the logging industry, this term might be used to express agreement or approval, similar to saying “Timber, that sounds good!”

The Bridge is Up

Excuse for being late

The Sticks

Rural area. “He lives out in the sticks.”

PDX Carpet

Refers to the iconic carpet pattern at Portland International Airport, often used as a symbol of Portland pride.

The Mountain is Out

When you hear someone saying the “the mountain is out”, this means it’s a sunny, clear day in Portland when Mt. Hood is not covered by clouds.

Hike-a-Bike

Describes a challenging section of a mountain biking trail where cyclists may need to dismount and walk their bikes.

Rip City

A term originally associated with the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team, now widely used to express excitement or encouragement.

Black Ice

Used to refer to clear ice that forms over the dark surface of the road. Black ice is virtually invisible to the driver and, alongside Californians, one of the major causes of car crashes in Oregon.

Willamette Wiggle

Refers to a popular bicycle route in Portland that navigates the streets with a series of wiggles to avoid traffic.

The Valley

The Valley refers to anything west of the cascades and east of the coast. It’s where the majority of Oregonians reside, and where most of the rain falls.

Silicon Forest

A nickname for the cluster of high-tech companies and industries in the Portland metropolitan area, akin to Silicon Valley.

Brewvana

A play on “Nirvana,” used to describe the state of beer bliss one experiences in Oregon, known for its craft breweries.

Bridge City

Refers to Portland, known for its numerous bridges spanning the Willamette River.

Cascade Curtain

A term referring to the Cascade Range that divides the wet western part of the state from the drier eastern region.

Hippie Flakes

A lighthearted way to describe the crunchy and health-conscious individuals often found in Oregon, particularly in places like Eugene.

Coastie

Someone who lives on or frequents the Oregon Coast, often used in a friendly or affectionate manner.