Cowboy Lingo:
As I've said before, I've lived all over -- the product of being a military brat. But I've lived most my life in Texas and Louisiana -- two states that have their own language. Seriously, when you cross the state line either way, it's like crossing into a different country. Today, let's talk about Texas (and I'm not talking about speaking Spanish.) In large cities like Dallas and Houston, people don't know much about the western way of life. They're too sophisticated (city-fied) plus the populations are full of "out-of-towners." In smaller Texas towns though, there are pockets of people who still speak authentic Cowboy Lingo. And it bothers me that the language is dying. Blame it on TV or the Internet, globalization, or whatever, it's happening and it's sad. If you've never had an opportunity to carry on a conversation with a cowboy, you are really missing something. The language is colorful and meaningful and honest. There's no putting on airs or showing off, it is thoughtful and sincere.

Look at Legends of America, Old West Legends. As you read the "old slang, lingo and phrases," don't be put off by thinking that people really don't talk that way, or that it is ridiculous or made up... these are the real McCoy.
Here's just a few examples:
They ate supper before they said grace (they're living in sin)
Toad choker (a heavy rain)
Big hat, No cattle (All talk and no action)
Tighter than bark on a tree (not very generous)
He looks like the dog's been keepin' him under the porch (not a very handsome man)
Airin' the lungs (cussing)
Rattle your hocks (hurry up)
Mashed (in love)
Tear squeezer (sad story)
Pig trail (small road)
Grassed (to be thrown from a horse)
Snapped (drunk)
Indian side (the right side of a horse)
Jollification (scene of merriment)
Wattles (ears)
Love apples (canned tomatoes)