While part of the United States, Alaska has its own individual characteristics and flair. In Alaska, you will have months without seeing the sun rise and months without seeing it set. How much more unique than that does it get? With a backdrop of wildlife as its landscape, Alaska is a one-of-a-kind state.
Besides its native wildlife and unusual weather patterns, Alaska also has some tricks up its sleeve when it comes to slang terms. Here is some lingo you might want to know about if you are planning a visit to Alaska.
Iditarod
Paying homage to the Iditarod River, this race is also lovingly referred to as “the last great race.”
While you may have, of course, heard the term before, you may not know how much dedication and challenge are involved in this race.
A team of mushers and their dogs sled over 1000 miles to complete this heroic trail. While the Iditarod may have started out as a mail route to get much-needed supplies, mail and even medicines to remote areas, today it is all about tradition.
If driving over frozen ice, drifting snow, across the roughest terrain that a wintry Mother Nature can supply with below-zero temperatures sounds like something out of a movie, then you have somewhat of an idea of what Iditarod is really like. Iditarod is an important part of Alaskan culture and a good term to know.
The Lower 48
The Lower 48 is a term used to describe all of the other states (excluding those of Alaska and Hawaii). When referring to other states, Alaskans will tend to use the term, “the lower 48.” In addition, it is not unheard of for Alaskans to use the term, “Outside” when speaking of traveling to other states.
Mushing
When you take on the sport of driving a sled driven by a team of dogs, this is known as mushing. This term may have originated from the French word “marche” when French Canadians were commanding their dogs, but is now well-known and loved by all Alaskans.
Eskimo Ice Cream
Just when you thought you had heard of every flavor of ice cream, you get to learn about the term, “Eskimo Ice Cream.” Eskimo Ice Cream is a term used for a traditional food of Alaskans. An interesting mix of ingredients such as animal fat such as seal, lard, berries and ground fish go into this unique mixture that is loved by many an Alaskan.
This might be one of the more important terms to know. If you are invited to partake in some “Eskimo Ice Cream,” then you will at least know that it is far from what you expected.
Blanket Toss
This term is exactly what it means – a blanket toss. Traditionally, an Inupiaq hunter would get tossed in the air with the purpose of spotting game to hunt. Now, however, it’s done for fun. A group gathers around holding onto an animal skin while tossing someone into the air. The goal of the toss is to land, keeping balance and not falling over. So, if you are invited to a “blanket toss,” make sure that you are invited as a viewer and not a participant.
These are a few interesting and endearing terms you might want to know before you go to Alaska. This way, when you are invited to enjoy some “Eskimo Ice Cream” on the way to a blanket toss, you know what to expect.
