Old West Lingo, Wisdom, and other BS

Old West Lingo, Wisdom, and other BS

Old West Lingo, Wisdom, and other BS

Growing up, I loved to hear my grandpa Dale (Pappy) Patton and other relatives spin their tales of yesteryear and the days of old. I was quiet as a creep-mouse as I listened to the wisdom, lingo, and of course the BS from the Old West. It was an extraordinary time, even magical, listening about cowboys, horses, cattle, ranches, wolves, Indians, outlaws, and yes even the soil doves of their times. Those tales and tall-tales had the power to pull me into a realm of dust, danger, and dreams. As I got older, I had inherited this flare for the telling of a story, tall-tale, and poetry. I had learned the art of storytelling from some of the best that the world has never heard of.

When you are watching a western movie or reading an old west novel did you ever wonder what some words mean? Have you ever come across letters or manifests from long dead kin you never heard of and read them? The words can be strange and also the context. Hopefully, this book can help in that regard.

From the horror of the Civil War, to the settling of the American West – pioneers, cowboys, soldiers, miners, gamblers, painted ladies, schoolmarms, and countless others developed their own lingo. These hardy and adventurous folks often used words, terms, and phrases hard to understand today. Yet, some of their lingo remains still in everyday language.

I write fictional adventure novels, and take a lot of pride in my research of old west history, geography, and the language. I prefer my heroes to be more educated, even if it means that they got their “schoolin” from books they carried in their saddlebags. My research comprises of old period newspapers, books, old letters from my relatives, and Google. It is my hope what you find in the pages that follow will be informative, interesting, and sometimes humorous. Even if you’re not looking for a definition, you’ll get a gander into the romance, charm, and character of the fast disappearing vistas of the American West.

What folks are saying:

5 Star review on Amazon: – Dan M.

Don’t be Addled-Headed. Get this book.
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2020
Verified Purchase
If you’re on the cattle trail and the Cat Wagon pulls into camp, be careful or you could find yourself in a Bad Box. If you receive the services of a Calico Queen but don’t have any Ballast you could get Beefed or drug by a Catgut. You better have an Ace In the Hole if you want to remain Above Snakes. If you didn’t understand what I just wrote you really need this book. It has all the old west sayings and so much more to entertain you. You won’t regret purchasing this book especially if you are western history buff.
5 Star review on Amazon:
Kindle Customer
A Writer’s Blessing 
Verified Purchase
I have been searching for a book like this for a long time! This will definitely be my go to book for my books! Thanks James!
Where to purchase Kurt James novels, short stories, reference books, and poetry: 
Kurt James Colorado Storyteller
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Kurt James

Kurt James was born and raised in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Kurt’s family roots were from western Kansas and having lived in South Dakota for 20 years, Kurt naturally had become an old western and nature enthusiast. Over the years Kurt has become one of Colorado’s prominent nature photographers through his brand name of Midnight Wind Photography. The Denver Post, PM Magazine, and 9NEWS in Denver, Colorado featured his poetry. Kurt is also a feature writer for HubPages and Creative Exiles with the article’s focused on Colorado history, ghost towns, outlaws, and poetry. Inspired at a young age by writers such as Jack London, Louis L’Amour, and Max Brand have formed Kurt’s natural ability as a storyteller. Kurt has published 18 books all based in and around the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Using the Midnight Wind Publishing brand, Kurt James novels, short stories, reference books, and poetry, are available in print or download on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and other fine bookstores. And a few shady bookstores as well. Kurt has 3 books that he is currently writing. The 9th book in his Rocky Mountain Series - My Name is Nobody. His 4th ghost town reference book, South Dakota Ghost Towns, Hauntings, Treasure Tales, and Other BS. And a western/horror novel - Devil’s Tower Spirit of Chiha Tanka. Kurt is a proud member of Western Writers of America.

6 thoughts on “Old West Lingo, Wisdom, and other BS

  • June 9, 2020 at 11:17 AM
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    Sounds like an interesting and fun book to read, and one to add to a collection. I love to study the vernacular, jargon, lingo, and colloquialism of different locales and unique folks. I often make use of an appropriate vernacular in stories to define my characters and their culture or way of life. Well done on this special book, Kurt, which will not only be fun to read but will be a useful educational tool.

    • June 24, 2020 at 2:08 AM
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      You sure have found your perfect niche, Kurt with your (Western) fiction adventure novels, and this book would be a great accompaniment to help follow the slang and jargon sometimes used. I’m impressed by the amount if time You must spend on research.

      • August 25, 2020 at 2:38 PM
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        Thanks John – I do take pride in my research and history of what I write about – Hope all is well with you.

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