skookum

[ skoo-kuh m ]

/ ˈsku kəm /

adjective Northwest U.S., Canada.

large; powerful; impressive.

excellent; first-rate.

Origin of skookum

1825–35, Americanism; < Chinook Jargon: strong, powerful < Lower Chehalis (Salishan language of the Washington coast) skwəkwə́m ghost, spirit, monster (hence, apparently “fearsome” > “powerful” in Chinook Jargon)

Words nearby skookum

skodaic resonance, skokiaan, skokie, skol, skolly, skookum, skool, skop, skiet en donder, skopje, skoplje, skort

Example sentences from the Web for skookum

And I knew, also, that that stood for skookum mamook pukapuk—excuse Chinook, I mean there was a big fight coming.

The Faith of Men |Jack London
This broad trail with many large tracks not far apart was made by one of Skookum's friends, a knight of many spears.

Rolf In The Woods |Ernest Thompson Seton
Skookum was a plucky fighter, but plainly he was nearly sick of it.

Rolf In The Woods |Ernest Thompson Seton
The same blizzard was raging on the next day when Skookum gave unequivocal sign talk that he smelled something.

Rolf In The Woods |Ernest Thompson Seton

The fox sat on his haunches, grinning apparently, until Skookum dashed through the snow within twenty yards.

Rolf In The Woods |Ernest Thompson Seton

British Dictionary definitions for skookum

skookum

/ (ˈskuːkəm) /

adjective

Canadian strong or brave

Word Origin for skookum

C19: from Chinook Jargon

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

skookum

adjective Northwest U.S., Canada.

Origin of skookum

Words nearby skookum

Example sentences from the Web for skookum

British Dictionary definitions for skookum

adjective

Word Origin for skookum

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

skookum

adjective Northwest U.S., Canada.

Origin of skookum

Words nearby skookum

Example sentences from the Web for skookum

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adjective

Word Origin for skookum

British Dictionary definitions for skookum