Here are 10 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in Wyoming, each one steeped in the state’s unique blend of cowboy culture, rugged landscape, and offbeat humor. If you spend any time in the Cowboy State, don’t be surprised if these phrases make you crack up—or scratch your head.
“Gully washer”
Translation: A heavy, short-lived downpour. Used after a sudden thunderstorm: “We just had a real gully washer roll through!”
“Dout that fire!”
Translation: Extinguish your campfire completely. Only in Wyoming will someone holler this across the campground as you’re packing up.
“Them Greenies are clogging up the highway again.”
Translation: Colorado visitors (distinguished by their green license plates) are everywhere. This gentle jab is a true Wyoming pastime.
“She’s a real buckle bunny.”
Translation: That gal really likes her rodeo cowboys. Used half in jest, half in truth around rodeo season.
“He looks like ten miles of dirt road.”
Translation: He’s looking a bit rough around the edges—or in need of a shower and a nap.
“You gotta couple two or three miles to go.”
Translation: It’s a little ways out of town. Expect vague, comically redundant directions anywhere outside city limits.
“That prairie dog’s a real barking squirrel.”
Translation: Wyoming’s way of giving funny nicknames to local wildlife.
“He’s got a burr under his saddle.”
Translation: He’s irritated or in a foul mood—best avoid until he cools off.
“Don’t spin any cookies in the parking lot!”
Translation: Don’t do car donuts (spinning your car in tight circles), especially after the first snow.
“Watch out for hypnolopes on the highway.”
Translation: A tongue-in-cheek reference to Wyoming’s antelope and the myth they can “hypnotize” drivers or state officials about being the world’s fastest animals.
These sayings capture Wyoming’s wry wit, love for tall tales, and the unmistakable flavor of life out West. If you use a couple in conversation, don’t be surprised if the locals welcome you with a knowing grin.
Sources
[1] https://www.enjoytravel.com/us/travel-news/guides/wyoming-slang
[2] https://www.greatguysmove.com/blog/20-phrases-only-a-true-wyomingite-would-understand/
[3] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/wyoming/words-native-to-wy
[4] https://www.movoto.com/guide/wy/things-people-from-wyoming-have-to-explain/
[5] https://y95country.com/the-most-puzzling-slang-term-used-in-wyoming/
