21 Words And Phrases That You Won’t Understand If You’re Not From Alaska

Summer has arrived and we are prepared to take our otter to the bush until the termination dust settles in real deep. Heck, even then we will probably use our entire PFD on parts for the beaver. It's only a given that the greenhorns will be put through the ringer this summer, but thankfully we have knowledgeable sourdoughs to lead them down the right path. When winter rolls around our toes will be safe from frostbite thanks to our trusted bunny's. And on the topic of boots, who would have ever thought that Xtra Tuf's would be the key ingredient to surviving a rough breakup in the last frontier? Not following? That's okay, we'll cut you some slack. We wouldn't expect you to understand these 21 words and phrases if you're not from Alaska.

1. Outsiders

As in... all of you people that don't live here. Or aren't "from" here. Or don't comprehend how Alaska is better than everywhere else in the WORLD...

2. The Slope

Or slopers, 2 on 2 off, hitch, turnaround, etc. Work hard, play harder. It's just how we do in the 49th state!

3. Bunny Boots

Pretty? No. But they will keep your feet warmer than any other boots around. And save you from frost bite in -50 degree weather. Just sayin'.

4. Flipping for reds

Otherwise known as the "Kenai Flip!" When they come, they come strong and fast... and we aren't about to miss a single second of the action!

5. Xtra Tuf's

Otherwise known as dock slippers. If you live in Alaska and don't own a pair of these, you are definitely in a league of your own.

6. Sourdough

Someone that has been through the trenches and weathered much time in the last frontier. The ones with the most knowledge, perseverance and passion for the great outdoors. We are so lucky to have them around still sharing stories of Alaska's past.

7. Snowmachine

Snowmobiles need not apply. In Alaska we call them snowmachines and there is absolutely, positively no gray area on this topic.

8. Snowbirder

Those that live in Alaska during the summer months but generally go somewhere warm and sunny during the winter time. Part time residents that are often times retirees.

9. Alpenglow

Describing the optical phenomenon in which a horizontal red glowing band is observed on the horizon opposite to the sun. In Alaska... they are EVERYTHING!

10. Cheechako

Someone who recently arrived in the state of Alaska and isn't exactly up to snuff with how things roll in the last frontier. Exhibit A: Don't approach wild animals looking for a petting zoo session or a photo-op. They are WILD ANIMALS. C'mon people!

11. Mushing

This has nothing to do with mashed potatoes and everything to do with the Alaska state sport of Dog Mushing. How lucky we are!

12. Skookum

Large, powerful, impressive Alaska. All things great, well-built and reliable in the last frontier.

13. Slednecks

You might remember the short lived MTV show appropriately titled 'slednecks' - no? Don't worry, it only aired one season and it was so bad that even our worst enemy shouldn't have to relive it.

14. Dipnetting

For Alaska residents only, sorry visitors! The quickest way to get a plethora of wild Alaska salmon to throw on the smoker, in the freezer or in canning jars.

15. Breakup

That super dirty, slushy, sorta warm, sorta still cold season between winter and spring. We call her breakup. No fun to go through but oh-so beautiful when it's over!

16. Termination Dust

The first dusting of snow after a beautiful summer in Alaska... dun, dun, dun! This means that winter is coming and she'll be here before we know it!

17. Permafrost

Nearly 85% of Alaska has this underground frozen layer that is tens of thousands of years old.

18. Greenhorn

The new guy on the vessel... yeah, he'll be put through the ringer!

19. PFD

Those super awesome checks that come once a year, for Alaska residents only! Otherwise known as a dividend or "oil money."

20. The Bush

Remote Alaska accessible via bush plane. And they fly their in their otter or their beaver. Don't get it? You must not be from around here!

21. Lower 48

Referring to of the other states outside of Alaska. Or a "lower 48er" which is someone that is not from the last frontier.

Can you think of any other words and phrases that only those from (or living in) Alaska will only understand?