Dictionary of Chinook Jargon

The number of words constituting the Jargon proper has been variously stated. Many formerly employed have become in great measure obsolete, while others have been locally introduced. Thus, at the Dalles of the Columbia, various terms are common which would not be intelligible at Astoria or on Puget Sound. In making the following selection, I have included all those which, on reference to a number of vocabularies, I have found current at any of these places, rejecting, on the other hand, such as individuals, partially acquainted with the native languages, have employed for their own convenience. The total number falls … Read more

Setting aside interjections, common in a more or less modified form to several adjoining tribes, twenty-one words of those given in this vocabulary present noticeable analogies between the Chinook and other native languages. They are as follows: English Chinook Hailtzuk and Belbella salmon berries klalilli olalli   English Chinook and Clatsop Nootka (Jewitt and Cook) water tl’tsuk: tl’chukw chauk: chahak   English Chinook Cowlitz Kwantlen Selish six tákhum tukh’um tuckhum’ táckan   English Chinook Chihalis Nisqually deep kellippe kluputl klep glad kwan kwal (“tame”) proud eyútl júil demon ichiatku tsiatko tsiatko black bear eitchhut, chetwut crow skaka skaka oyster klokhklokh … Read more

Above, ságh-a-lie. Absolve, mam’-ook stoh. Acorns, káh-na-way. Across, in’-a-ti. Afraid, kwass. After, Afterwards, kim’-ta. Again, weght. All, kon’-a-way. Alms, e’-la-han, or e-lann’. Also, weght. Although, kégh-tchie. Always, kwáh-ne-sum. American, Boston. Amusement, hee’-hee. And, pee. Anger, Angry, sol’-leks. Apple, le pome. Apron, kéh-su, or ki’-su. Arbutus uva ursi, lahb. Arrive at, ko. Arrow, ka-li’-tan. As if, káh-kwa spose. At, ko’-pa. Aunt, kwal’h. Awl, shoes keep’-wot. Axe, la-hash’. Bad, me-sáh-chie; pe-shuk’. Bag, le sak. Ball, le bal. Bargain, máh-kook; húy-húy. Bark, s’ick-skin. Barrel, ta-mo’-litsh. Basket, o’-pe-kwan. Beads, ka-mo’-suk. Bear (black), chet’-woot; its’woot; (grizzly), si-am’. Beat, to, kok’-shut. Beaver, ee’-na. Because, kéh-wa. Become, … Read more

Ah-ha, adv. Common to various tribes. Yes. Expression of simple assent. On Puget Sound, E-ÉH. Ah’n-kut-te, or Ahn-kot-tie, adv. Chinook, ANKUTTI. Formerly; before now. With the accent prolonged on the first syllable, a long time ago. Ex. Ahnkutte lakit sun, four days ago; Tenas ahnkutte, a little while since. Al-áh, interj. Expression of surprise. Ex. Alah mika chahko! ah, you’ve come! Al-kie, adv. Chinook, ALKEKH. Presently; in a little while; hold on; not so fast. Al’-ta , adv. Chinook, ALTAKH. Now; at the present time. A-mo’-te, n. Chinook, AMUTE; Clatsop, KLABOTÉ. The strawberry. An-áh , interj. An exclamation denoting pain, … Read more