Montana slang words and phrases reflect the state’s unique environment and culture. From adventurous Montana’s speech patterns often have roots in American Indian tribes, cowboys, and ranchers.
Montana slang words and phrases can confuse outsiders, but locals understand them perfectly. Let us look at the popular Montana slang words and phrases.
Montana Slang Words And Phrases
Montana slang words and phrases have roots in Montana’s frontier past when Montana was home to cowboys, ranchers, miners, and other frontiersmen.
Cowboys brought with them terms such as “pardner” (friend) and “bronc” (untamed horse). Montana slang often uses animal-related words like “wapiti” (elk) and “crow hop” to refer to Montana’s wide array of wildlife.
Montana also has a variety of terms for its many outdoor activities, such as “skiing the pow” (snow skiing in powder snow) and “shoulder slapping” (rafting).
Montana slang can be heard on Montana radio, in Montana cafes and bars, at Montana universities, and on Montana streets.
22 Popular Montana Slang Words And Phrases
Montana slang words and phrases are colloquialisms or regionalisms that Montana locals use when talking.
They range from nicknames for Montana cities and terms for ranching and farming practices to shortened forms of Montana institutions and personalities.
Montana has a unique dialect full of phrases and slang words that locals use when talking.
Some Montana slang words combine regionalisms, colloquialisms, and acronyms.
Here are some Montana slang words and phrases to help you get the hang of Montana-speak:
1. Ya Sure, You Betcha:
This phrase is used in Montana as an expression of agreement or affirmation.
For example, if someone asks you if they should go to Montana, you can say, “Ya sure, you betcha!”
The phrase comes from the Montana sayings “Ya sure” or “You betcha.” It’s often said in a pleasant or teasing way.
2. The Hi-Line:
The “Hi-Line” is Montana’s northern border, and it divides Montana from North Dakota, Montana.
People commonly refer to places near the Hi-Line as “on the Hi-Line” or “in the Hi-Line.”
Montana locals often use this phrase when discussing places near Montana’s northern border. For example, “I’m from Montana, but my family lives on the Hi-Line.”
The term is often used to refer to Montana’s northern border region, an area that is sparsely populated and quite rural.
3. Montana Morning:
“Montana morning” is a phrase Montana locals use when they wake up or come out of deep sleep.
Montana mornings are notoriously beautiful – with crisp, clear air, majestic mountain ranges, and the sun just beginning to peek out over the horizon.
Montana locals often use this phrase to show their appreciation for Montana’s natural beauty and how they appreciate starting each day in such a beautiful place.
4. Montana Big Sky:
Montana Big Sky is another term Montana locals use when referring to Montana’s vast and open expanse of sky.
Montana locals often use this phrase to describe the stunning sunsets, star-studded night skies, and other majestic Montana views that can only be seen in Montana.
For example, Montana locals may say, “I love watching Montana Big Sky change colors as the sun sets”.
The term Montana Big Sky is also used to describe Montana’s overall beauty and charm.
5. Two-Steppin’:
This refers to a type of country line dancing popular in Montana.
Montana is home to many country music venues, and two-steppin’ is a favorite way for Montanans to enjoy the local music.
For example, Montana State University even hosts an annual Two-Steppin Competition. The term is also used to describe Montana’s laidback and friendly culture.
6. Huckleberry:
Montana locals use this word to refer to someone who isn’t particularly smart or experienced. It can be used both as an insult or endearingly.
For example, someone might say, “He’s such a huckleberry; he just can’t seem to get the job done.” The term is derived from huckleberries, Montana’s beloved state fruit.
It’s often said that Montana’s spirit of huckleberry-picking is the same as the state’s attitude of never giving up.
7. Big Sky Country:
Montana is known for its expansive open sky and endless outdoor activities, earning it the nickname “Big Sky Country”.
Montana locals embrace this nickname and use it fondly to refer to their home state.
Montana is proud of its natural beauty and vast open spaces, so it’s no wonder that the term “Big Sky Country” has taken off as a phrase to describe Montana.
Montana locals use the phrase with pride, whether talking about outdoor adventures in Montana or simply describing where they call home.
8. Skookum:
Montana folks use this word to describe something strong, powerful, or impressive. It is a term of admiration and respect for something that stands out.
For example, you could say that Montana’s Big Sky Country is skookum!
The term has Native American roots and derives from a Chinook meaning “strong” or “powerful“. It is also used in a few other places, but Montana has claimed it as its own.
9. Updah:
Updah is a Montana term for “up there.” Montana natives will use this word to refer to any place far away or even the next town over if it’s sufficiently distant.
You can also use it to refer to Montana’s amazing mountain ranges and expansive landscapes. For example, you could say, “We’re headed updah for a ski trip.”
The term can also express excitement about a place or an activity, such as “We’re going updah for some fishing this weekend!”
10. Montana Mud:
Montana mud is any slushy and sloppy mixture, usually caused by the winter snow melting into the ground.
Montana mud can be difficult to navigate, but it’s also a part of living in Montana – something Montanans often embrace as part of their outdoor activities.
If you’re walking outdoors in Montana and hear someone say, “Careful of the Montana mud!” they’re likely referring to a patch of slippery, sloppy terrain.
11. Buckaroo:
Montana locals use this term to refer to someone who works with horses, usually in ranching and farming.
It can also describe someone who likes participating in rodeos or other equestrian activities.
So if you are Montana-bound and looking to become a “Buckaroo”, you can most likely find plenty of opportunities.
The term can also be an endearment for Montana locals who demonstrate Montana values.
12. Skijoring:
Skijoring is Montana’s official winter sport, which involves skiing behind a horse!
It’s a great way for locals to stay active during the cold Montana winters. In addition, Montana locals love to get together and compete in skijoring competitions.
The term is an activity and almost a Montana rite of passage.
For example, Montana locals often say, “Let’s go skijoring” when they want to get together for outdoor activities.
12. Tumbleweed:
It can mean either literal tumbleweeds blowing across Montana’s prairies, or it can describe Montana locals who move around frequently and don’t stay put.
For example, someone always “tumbleweeding” around Montana might say, “I’m gonna go tumbleweedin’ again.”
Either way, Montana locals take their “tumbleweed” pride seriously!
13. Montana Sunrise:
This phrase has a double meaning. It can refer to the beautiful Montana sunrises that locals see every morning, or it can be used to refer to Montana’s local beer.
Montana Sunrise is a popular Montana craft beer that has gained popularity in recent years, and locals often use the phrase “Montana Sunrise” when referring to it.
The phrase also refers to Montana’s brewing culture, as Montana has a vibrant craft beer scene with many local breweries.
14. Cowboying Up:
This phrase is often used in Montana slang to describe someone tough and resilient in the face of adversity.
It originated from Montana’s ranching culture, where cowboys worked long hours and faced harsh conditions.
The phrase can encourage someone in a difficult situation to “cowboy up” and persevere through hardship.
For example, a Montana native might say, “The only way we’re going to get through this is if we all cowboy up.”
15. A Buck Ninety-Eight:
This Montana phrase refers to the state’s sales tax of 1.75%. It’s usually used humorously to refer to Montana’s high taxes.
Such as Montana locals joke about how something “cost me a buck ninety-eight” when referring to an expensive purchase.
For example, “That new car cost me a buck ninety-eight.” The term is a Montana favorite and has even been the title of Montana local books.
16. Barrow Pit:
This Montana slang phrase refers to a body of water, usually very shallow and no more than one or two feet deep.
Montana locals often use this term for any small pond, watering hole, or puddle. So, for example, Montana kids might say something like, “Let’s go swimming in the barrow pit!”
The term is common in Montana and is often used when referring to smaller bodies of water.
17. Slough:
This Montana word refers to a wetland or shallow water type, usually with muddy ground nearby.
Montana locals commonly use this Montana slang phrase when referring to wetlands, swamps, or marshy areas.
Montana kids might say something like, “Let’s go exploring in the slough!”
This fun Montana word is often used when referring to wetland areas and adding some Montana flavor.
18. Cow Pie:
This Montana slang phrase refers to a type of food made from beef, usually served in Montana restaurants.
It is a type of burger typically made with Montana-raised beef and served on a Montana-style bun.
Montana locals love this Montana slang phrase, as it captures the essence of Montana’s ranching culture and its culinary traditions.
“Let’s grab some cow pies for lunch!” is not an uncommon Montana phrase.
19. Out the Road:
This Montana slang phrase describes a somewhat remote place and far away from town.
Montana folks might say something like, “Let’s head out the road and check out that old abandoned cabin.”
It encompasses Montana’s wide open spaces and its adventurous spirit.
The term is also used to describe any place Montana folks go to have fun, like the local bar or a hike in the mountains.
20. Montana Mosey:
This Montana slang phrase is used to describe taking things slow and easy.
Montana people are known for their laid-back attitude, and “Montana Mosey” is an expression that captures this mentality.
Montana folks might say, “Let’s Montana Mosey over to the lake and take some sunshine.”
The term is often used to describe leisurely activities, but it can also be applied to completing tasks in a native slow-paced manner.
21. Powder Hounds:
This Montana slang phrase describes an enthusiastic skier or snowboarder who loves to hit the slopes and take advantage of Montana’s plentiful powder.
Montana has some of the best ski hills in the country, so anyone who takes full advantage of them can be called a Powder Hound.
For example, you can say, “My brother is a real powder hound. He loves skiing in Montana’s big mountains!”
The term can also describe someone who loves Montana’s abundant snow, such as a snowmobiler or winter sports enthusiast.
22. Chicken Foot:
They describe someone who doesn’t keep their word and is unreliable. Montana folks call them “chicken foots” because they don’t have the guts to be reliable.
If a person isn’t living up to their obligations, you can politely tell them they are a chicken foot by saying something like, “Don’t be a chicken foot now!”
The term can also be used to describe someone who is scared of doing something.
For example, if a Montana local sees someone who is afraid to take the plunge on an adventure, they might say, “Come on, don’t be a chicken foot!”
Final Thoughts:
Montana slang words and phrases are an essential part of Montana’s culture.
Knowing these words and phrases can help visitors get to know Montana locals a bit better, as well as help them blend in!
From “grizzly bear” to “chicken foot,” Montana will have you talking like a true Montanan in no time. So be sure to brush up on Montana’s unique language and have fun with it!
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