Skookum (adj)
skoo-kum
large; powerful; impressive.
Skookum was first recorded around 1825-35 and comes from a word in Chinook Jargon that means “fearsome, powerful,” from Lower Chehalis skwəkwə́m, “ghost, spirit, monster.” Chinook Jargon and Lower Chehalis are Salishan languages spoken in the Pacific Northwest. One might say, “Is that skookum with you?” when looking for affirmation. Skookum on its own can also mean “really awesome!”
Example sentences
“Did that skookum grizzly bear come through this way?”
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