Old West Words and Phrases

[Griff]

Can  any one tell me what "Slutting A Gut" means?
I found the phrase in a western novel written in 1954.  Context is, 'getting the wagon across that river was easier that slutting a gut'.

If'n it was "Slitting a gut", it'd be fairly obvious.  I suspect that's what the author meant, but sometimes in those old typeset boxes (which were laid out like the typewriter keyboard), since the "u" and the "i" are right next to each other, the typesetter got it wrong, and the proofreader missed it.  Having family in the printing business, I found out this was much more common that is commonly known.  But... ya know what they say 'bout "assuming"

[E.R.Beaumont]

Pards, a quirley was a ciggarette, a hand made one as opposed to a taylor made,
Regards, Beaumont

[Griff]

Pards, a quirley was a ciggarette, a hand made one as opposed to a taylor made,
Regards, Beaumont

It'll also be used in reference to a cowpokes bedroll.  Sometimes, you gotta take the context into account.  So I'd have to say both answers are correct.

[Silver Creek Slim]

"30 miles to water, 20 miles to wood, 10 miles to hell and I gone there for good." -- Carved on a deserted shack near Chadron,  Nebraska.

[Russ T Chambers]

"30 miles to water, 20 miles to wood, 10 miles to hell and I gone there for good." -- Carved on a deserted shack near Chadron,  Nebraska.

Was ya'  tryin' ta get ta Del?     He wasn't responding to cuff buttons either!!!!

[Silver Creek Slim]

"30 miles to water, 20 miles to wood, 10 miles to hell and I gone there for good." -- Carved on a deserted shack near Chadron,  Nebraska.

Was ya'  tryin' ta get ta Del?     He wasn't responding to cuff buttons either!!!!

Yep. 

Slim

[Griff]

Here's a couple I recently learned:
Slantindicular
Snollygoster
sockdologer

[Russ T Chambers]

Here's a couple I recently learned:
Slantindicular
Snollygoster
sockdologer

Slantindicular   ---    slightly off plumb?
Snollygoster     ---    a disreputable person
Sockdologer     ---    the clincher on a deal or something that finalizes a decision

[Four-Eyed Buck]

I believe Del's tied up at the moment and doesn't have access to the 'net...........Buck

[Griff]

Slantindicular   ---    slightly off plumb?
Snollygoster     ---    a disreputable person
Sockdologer     ---    the clincher on a deal or something that finalizes a decision

Slantindicular   ---    slightly off plumb?                             Close, I'll give ya this one  slanted or distorted as in speech.
Snollygoster     ---    a disreputable person                       Yep, usually cast in regards to politicans 
Sockdologer     ---    the clincher on a deal or something that finalizes a decision Nope

hey, two outta three is better than I usually come up with.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Del will probably answer today (Mon) or tomorrow after being released once more from the Looney Bin.  Whoops, that was a Freudian slip, I guess.

Actually, he'll be released from the horse-pistol (hospital) later today.  He's been there since last Tue. or Wed.

[Griff]

Been awhile since this thread has had some activity, so...

the Great Seize

[Four-Eyed Buck]

You takin' over, Griff??

[Griff]

Naw, but I just saw this in a book and thought... 'hmmm, there's an interesting addition to "Old West Words and Phrases".  Besides I've learned a lot and maybe this thread just needs a little kick in the follow-along

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Okay. I haven't seen Hamp on here for quite awhile, hope he's okay....Buck

[Russ T Chambers]

Been awhile since this thread has had some activity, so...

the Great Seize

The only thing that comes to mind is a humorous reference to a Sheriff as a "Great Seizer"! 

[Griff]

Boy, is it hard to get one by Russ T, or what.  Correct, again.

[Silver Creek Slim]

I watched Quigley Down Under the other day, in it Quigley says that he hoped that the kid would pee on Crazy Cora's dress. What would be the period correct slang for urinate?  I don't have the answer, by the way.

Slim

[Griff]

I don't know the answer either, but... if we can believe "Deadwood", pee isn't correct.

Also, American Heritage Dictionary shows that "piss" would have been in use as the vulgar slang of "to urinate".