Skookum.
An Indian word, once common in the Pacific Northwest, meaning "strong" or "powerful."
My father, born in 1915 and raised in the Tacoma area, used it once in a while. In his context, it was usually used to mean, "knowledgeable."
I recall him puzzled by the car's antics once, and saying he was going to take it to a neighborhood mechanic.
"He's pretty skookum on these things," Dad said.
I still use the word today, in its knowledgeable context.
The word skookum was often used by the loggers in the old days. A powerful man who worked hard was said to be skookum.
"You see the shoulders on that new, young guy? He's mighty skookum."
There was also a particular block and tackle arrangement known as a "skookum block," used in the old logging camps.
I've also seen old blocks, of cast or heavy steel, with SKOOKUM CO. moulded into them. I don't know where the Skookum Co. was located but perhaps it was a maker in the Pacific Northwest.
There's even Skookumchuck in Washington State, but I can't remember whether it's a river or a small town. Couldn't find it on the map.
I like the word, "skookum" ... just kinda rolls off the tongue.
Use the word "skookum" around a native Pacific Northwesterner over the age of 60 and watch him smile. He'll likely remember the word.
Got a question on feeding a cap and ball revolver? Ask Gatofeo. I'm mighty skookum about such things.
