skookum (English)

Where does "skookum" come from?

The word 'skookum' originated in the Lower Chehalis language before being incorporated into the Chinook Jargon, a trade language used throughout the Pacific Northwest. Over time, it entered English to describe something robust, impressive, or reliable, maintaining its original sense of strength and excellence.

Full etymology tree

• skookum (English), 'Excellent, impressive.'
  • borrowed skookum (Chinook Jargon), 'strong'
    • inherited skwa'k'um (Lower Chehalis)

Direct ancestors

• skookum (Chinook Jargon)

Updated July 2026

Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris