Oregon is known for its quirky charm, lush landscapes, and vibrant local culture — and that extends to the unique sayings and slang you’ll only catch in the Beaver State. From humorous words for everyday things to playful phrases poking fun at the weather and lifestyle, these expressions capture the spirit of Oregon. Here are 10 hilarious sayings that only true Oregonians use, perfect for anyone looking to speak like a local or just have a good laugh.
1. “Spendy”
When something costs a bit too much, you won’t hear Oregonians say “expensive.” Instead, things are “spendy.” Whether it’s your morning coffee or a night out, if it broke the bank, it’s “spendy.” This term has become so woven into local speech that even newspapers use it.
2. “The Mountain is Out”
In Portland, locals say this when the usually cloud-covered Mount Hood is visible — a sunny day miracle in the Pacific Northwest! “The mountain is out” means clear skies and a rare moment of sunshine, making it a popular phrase among weather watchers and nature lovers.
3. “The Bridge is Up”
Traffic in Portland often stops because of raised drawbridges, giving Oregonians the perfect excuse for being late. “Sorry I’m late, the bridge was up” is a common and humorous way to deflect tardiness, only in Portland.
4. “High Muckamuck”
Taken from Chinook Jargon, a “high muckamuck” is someone who’s pompous or carries themselves with too much importance. It’s a funny local way to call out the overconfident without being too harsh.
5. “Jojos”
What’s better than potato wedges? Oregon’s famous “jojos” — breaded, spiced, and pressure-fried potato wedges that are a staple bar and diner snack. If you order jojos and don’t laugh at the name a little, you haven’t soaked in enough Oregonian humor yet.
6. “Keep Portland Weird”
Portland’s unofficial motto sums up the city’s love for embracing all things eccentric. Often shouted or printed on apparel, it’s a phrase used with pride and humor, celebrating the city’s quirky, artsy vibe.
7. “Beervana”
Portland’s endless love affair with craft beer earned the city the nickname “Beervana,” a playful pun mixing “beer” and “Nirvana.” It’s a lighthearted shout-out to the city’s renowned beer culture and hip drinking scene.
8. “Sunbreak”
A sunbreak is that fleeting moment of sunshine peeking through Oregon’s frequent clouds and rain. Locals cherish these little windows of warmth so much that “sunbreak” is a common and happy word, capturing Oregon’s love-hate relationship with its weather.
9. “The Sticks”
When Oregonians talk about “the sticks,” they mean the rural, more remote parts of the state. It’s a funny way to refer to the countryside as opposed to the cities.
10. “Elephant Ear”
No, not the animal — it’s a giant, flat, fried dough treat covered in cinnamon sugar, often enjoyed at fairs or zoos. Asking for an “elephant ear” in Oregon will get you a delicious, oversized donut that’s as quirky as the name.
These sayings are delightful examples of Oregon’s unique local culture and humor. Whether you’re visiting or calling Oregon home, using these phrases will not only make you sound like a local but also add a bit of fun to your conversations.
If you want to dive deeper into Oregon’s slang and sense of humor, keep an ear out for these and prepare to chuckle with every “spendy” coffee or “sunbreak” enjoyed in the beautiful Beaver State.
Sources
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/oregon/comments/173lgne/nonoregonian_here_any_interesting_ways_of/
[2] https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-09-07-if-youve-said-this-slang-word-youre-probably-from-oregon/
[3] https://stacker.com/stories/your-state/bizarre-slang-words-and-phrases-every-state
[4] https://www.enjoytravel.com/us/travel-news/guides/oregon-slang
[5] https://wheninyourstate.com/oregon/15-slang-words-only-people-from-oregon-know/
What a load of crap.
I’ve lived in Oregon all my life and you should have titled your article “things they say in Portland”.
Do you realize that the state is bigger than Multnomah county?
Why on earth would anyone east of the Cascades care if the mountain is out or the bridge is up?
Thank you for the helpful feedback. I’ll definitely give my posts a closer look to make sure everything’s accurate.