Here are twenty new terms that you will invariably have to learn to keep from sounding like an outsider in Alaska. Alaska Vocabulary:
Cabin: Realistically this could mean anything from a proper log cabin to a plywood shack in the woods
Wet Cabin: A cabin log or otherwise with running water (Uncommon in the Fairbanks area)
Dry Cabin: A cabin log or other without running water (Common in the Fairbanks area)
Bunny Boots: US army issued boots that can actually keep your feet warm when it’s -40
Ice Fog: Ice particles suspended in the air that sparkle on sunny days
ALCAN: The Alaska Highway
Breakup: When the ice melts and the rivers flow again
Inversion: A strange phenomenon when it gets so cold that the higher elevations are actually warmer
Ula: A fan shaped knife
Blizacks: The ultimate snow tire
Xtratuffs: Also know as Alaskan Sneakers they are rubber boots that keep your feet dry, very common in the Southeast
Permafrost: The part of the ground that is permanently frozen, usually two to five feet, makes builders unhappy and scientists giddy
Bush: Anywhere without road, most of Alaska
Bush Pilot: Flies airplanes in the bush
Lower 48: The rest of the country
Mukluks: Seal or reindeer skinned boots
Chum: Dog Salmon
Midnight Sun: In summer, when the sun shines at midnight
Sourdough: A person having made it through an Alaskan Winter or an old timer who is “sour” on the North Country without the “dough” to get out
Permanent Fund: Getting paid yearly to live in Alaska
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