skookum

Where does the word "skookum" come from? It comes from Lower Chehalis (Salishan) skwəkwə́m, passing through Chinook Jargon before entering English (1830s).

Skookum’s story begins in Lower Chehalis (Salishan): skwəkwə́m meant “a ghost, spirit, or monster.” Originally referred to a fearsome spirit or monster. By 1820s, the word had taken hold in Chinook Jargon as skookum. Shifted in meaning from 'fearsome' to 'strong' or 'powerful' within the Pacific Northwest trade language. It reached English by 1830s as skookum. Borrowed into regional English usage in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. Today, skookum means a Pacific Northwest slang term meaning strong, powerful, or excellent.

1. Stage 1 · Lower Chehalis (Salishan) · pre-1800s skwəkwə́m "a ghost, spirit, or monster", originally referred to a fearsome spirit or monster.
2. Stage 2 · Chinook Jargon · 1820s skookum "strong, powerful, genuine", shifted in meaning from 'fearsome' to 'strong' or 'powerful' within the Pacific Northwest trade language.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1830s skookum "strong, excellent, impressive", borrowed into regional English usage in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.