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In McClintock, a settler is referred to as a “cheechako.” What does that term mean?

by | Jan 14, 2009 | Inside History

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In McClintock, a settler is referred to as a “cheechako.” What does that term mean? Larry Belt Houston, Texas A “cheechako,” also spelled checaco and cheechalko, is pronounced chee-CHAH-koh. The term means tenderfoot, greenhorn or newcomer. Apparently, the word is of Chinook origin, and it was used during the Alaska gold rush (and it is still used by some Alaskans today).


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