Here's a breakdown of some common cowboy slang and what they mean:
General Terms:
* Bally: (Adjective) Extremely, very, or completely. Example: "That horse is bally tired."
* Branding Iron: (Noun) A hot metal tool used to mark cattle with the owner's symbol.
* Chuck Wagon: (Noun) A mobile kitchen used by cowboys on cattle drives.
* Dogie: (Noun) An orphaned or stray calf.
* Dust Devil: (Noun) A small, whirling column of dust.
* Fandango: (Noun) A lively dance, often with a Spanish influence.
* Hoosegow: (Noun) A jail or prison.
* Maverick: (Noun) An unbranded animal, typically a calf. Also, an independent or unconventional person.
* Range: (Noun) The open land where cattle graze.
* Roping: (Verb) To catch an animal with a lasso.
* Rustle: (Verb) To steal cattle.
* Trail Boss: (Noun) The leader of a cattle drive.
* Wrangle: (Verb) To care for and manage horses.
Phrases and Idioms:
* "Achin' for a hoot" - Longing for fun or excitement.
* "Bust a gut" - To laugh very hard.
* "Cut a rug" - To dance.
* "Don't be a varmint" - Don't be a troublemaker or behave poorly.
* "Get yer spurs on" - Get ready to go, hurry up.
* "Hold your horses" - Slow down, wait a minute.
* "Keep your boots on the ground" - Stay calm and grounded.
* "Ride 'em cowboy" - A cheer of encouragement.
* "Saddle sore" - Tired from riding a horse.
* "Shoot the breeze" - To chat or gossip.
* "Swell as a fiddle" - Feeling great.
Important Note: Cowboy slang can vary depending on the region and era. The terms listed here represent some of the most common ones, but many other expressions exist.
I hope this helps you understand some of the colorful language of cowboys!