What does the cowboy slang mean?

You're asking about cowboy slang, a colorful and often humorous way of speaking that developed amongst cowboys in the American West during the 19th century. It's a mixture of Spanish, English, and even some Native American influences, reflecting the diverse cultures that contributed to the cowboy lifestyle.

Here are some examples of cowboy slang and their meanings:

General Terms:

* "Howdy": Hello

* "Partner": Friend, companion

* "Varmints": Pests or animals that are considered nuisances

* "Chuck wagon": A wagon used to cook and carry food for cowboys on the trail

* "Ridin' the range": Herding cattle on open land

* "Wrangle": To care for horses or cattle

* "Branding iron": A tool used to mark cattle with a hot iron

* "Roundup": Gathering cattle from the range

* "Trail drive": Moving cattle long distances

Expressions:

* "Git along, little dogies": A common phrase used to encourage cattle to move along

* "Hold your horses": Wait a minute, be patient

* "Don't get your britches in a knot": Don't get upset or anxious

* "He's as tough as a boot": This person is very strong and resilient

* "He's got more guts than a bull": This person is very brave and fearless

Specific Words:

* "Bronc": A wild horse

* "Buckaroo": A cowboy

* "Chaps": Leather leggings worn by cowboys

* "Lariat": A rope used for catching and securing cattle

* "Spurs": Metal points worn on a cowboy's boots to help control a horse

* "Saddle Sore": Painful stiffness caused by prolonged riding

* "Prairie Dog Town": A colony of prairie dogs

Important Note: Cowboy slang is still used today, although it is less common than in the past. Many of these terms have become part of American English, even if their original cowboy context is no longer understood.

Do you have any specific cowboy slang words or phrases you'd like to know the meaning of? I'm happy to help!