Indie Scribe Magazine December 2013 | Page 60

Wild West Words

dressed to kill = double entendre meaning not only that a man wearing two guns most likely was a professional killer, but also that wearing a double rig (a holstered pistol on each hip) made it difficult for a gunman to do anything with either hand without implying a threat (and therefore asking to be killed).

flannel mouth = smooth talker (especially politicians and salesmen)

frog-strangler = heavy rain; a downpour

goobers or goober peas = peanuts (still in use)

hornswoggle = to cheat or trick

leg bail = unauthorized absence

pirooting = fooling around; meandering

scallyhoot = to leave quickly; make tracks; run off; skedaddle

tonsil varnish = whiskey

Kathleen Rice Adams

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