If You Can Pronounce These 7 Words, You Can Call Yourself An Alaskan

Alaskan words are some of the most beautiful sounds in the world. The state represents 20 distinct Alaskan languages spoken inside two main language groups. These have contributed to unique words that you won’t find anywhere else in the country! These beautiful sounds from the different regions carry the weight, history, and uniqueness of our awesome state. Let's take a look at a few.

1. Nenana (neh-nan-uh)

The small town of Nenana, population

2. Eklutna (ee-kloot-nuh)

Many Alaskans have visited Eklutna Lake. This stunning turquoise body of water is fed by Eklutna Glacier. This Dena'ina Athabascan village of Eklutna was established more than 800 years ago. It’s actually the oldest known settlement in the Anchorage area. The name of Eklutna derives from Idluytnu, the Dena’ina name for Eklutna River, meaning (plural) objects river, referring to two nearby hills.

3. Williwaw (wil-li-waw)

A williwaw is a sudden, violent squall, usually blowing offshore from a mountainous coastline. This describes most of Alaska’s oceanfront, and we see our fair share of williwaws in the state.

4. Chinook (shuh-nuk)

On the other side of the equation is a chinook. Words in Alaskan say chinook is a warm, dry wind that blows, usually at the end of winter. In fact, when the wind kicks up in early spring, most Alaskans know that warmer weather and "break up" is on its way!

5. Denali (duh-naa-lee)

Denali is the tallest mountain in all of North America. In Athabascan, it means the high one, and this is an apt descriptor of this stunning, imposing mountain. The name Denali stems from the word deenaalee. This word originates in the Koyukon language, traditionally spoken on the north side of the mountain.

6. Utqiaġvik (UUT-kee-AH-vik)

This area has been home to the Iñupiat for more than 1,500 years. The city's Iñupiaq name actually refers to a place for gathering wild roots and is a derivative of the word potato. The town’s original name was in use until 1901, when non-Native Alaskans found Barrow of nearby Point Barrow easier to pronounce, and it made its way onto the local Post Office. In 2016, the town voted to change its name to Utqiaġvik.

7. Cheechako (chee-cha-ko)

A cheechako is someone new to Alaska or the Yukon and usually refers to a newcomer who hasn’t yet spent the winter in our great state.

Alaskan words are just as diverse as the state itself. Have you heard any of these before? Which one is your favorite? Are there any that you love that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

For more Alaskan words, read about these phrases that will make you swear Alaskans have their own language. If you're thinking of traveling to The Last Frontier, reserve a room on Booking.com.