Here are 25 Slang Terms You’ll Only Understand if you’re from Wyoming

Embark on a linguistic excursion through the Cowboy State as we uncover 25 distinctive slang terms that capture the essence of Wyoming’s unique culture. From navigating the vast expanse of the “Big Empty” to embracing the resilience of the “High Plains Drifter,” Wyoming’s lexicon mirrors the spirit of its rugged landscapes and Western heritage. Whether you’re a proud Wyomingite or an intrigued visitor, join us in decoding the linguistic treasures that make the Equality State’s vernacular as expansive and untamed as its boundless horizons.

Cowboy State

A common nickname for Wyoming, emphasizing its strong cowboy and ranching traditions.

Equality State

Another moniker for Wyoming, signifying its role as the first U.S. state to grant women the right to vote.

Greenies

Nope, we don’t mean the dental treats for dogs. Wyoming natives refer to Colorado tourists as “greenies.” The term comes from the Colorado license plate, which is green in color.

Big Sky Country

Although often associated with Montana, some use this term to describe Wyoming’s vast and open skies.

Dout

Dout means to put out a fire.

Buckle Bunny

A Buckle Bunny is someone who is attracted to rodeo cowboys.

Bucking Horse

Refers to the iconic symbol of Wyoming, often seen on license plates and associated with the state’s rodeo culture.

“Looks like 10 miles of dirt road”

“Looks like 10 miles of dirt road” refers to someone whose appearance is disheveled.

Frontier Days

Refers to Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the largest rodeo and western celebrations in the world.

Yellowstone

Often colloquially used to refer to the Yellowstone National Park, a significant natural landmark in Wyoming.

Grand Tetons

Refers to the Teton mountain range, known for its stunning beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Couple Two or Three

Let’s say you’re out in the boonies, trying to find the turn off to a certain campground. You stop and ask a Wyomingite who says, “Yah, that turn off is just a couple two or three miles around the corner from here.” What that person is really saying in their redundant three words is that the turn off is a few miles around the corner.

Wyomingite

A term for a resident of Wyoming, similar to other state demonyms.

Wind River Reservation

Refers to the Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.

Bison Run

Describes the annual migration of bison in Wyoming, a natural spectacle.

Devil’s Tower

Refers to the famous geological formation, a national monument in northeastern Wyoming.

Flaming Gorge Days

Flaming Gorge Days is an event in Wyoming that features concerts, sports tournaments, and festivals. It takes place each June in Sweetwater County.

Jackson Hole

A term for the valley in Wyoming surrounded by mountains, known for its picturesque landscapes.

Buckaroo

A Buckaroo is a cowboy who does ranch work for a living.

Silk

Silk refers to barbed wire.

Biscuit

Biscuit refers to a saddle horn.

Gully Washer

Wyoming is known for drenching spring and summer thunderstorms. When the storms are particularly strong, the torrential rain causes creeks to overflow and washes out all the gullies and barrancas. Those storms are Gully Washers.

Green River

A prominent river in Wyoming, known for its scenic canyons and outdoor recreation.

Cody

Refers to the town of Cody, named after Buffalo Bill Cody, and known for its western history and museums.

Big Horns

Short for the Big Horn Mountains, a mountain range in northern Wyoming.