How to pronounce skookum
Say it like SKOO-kum. Skookum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce skookum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKOO
- kum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Skookum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of skookum
American and British speakers say skookum in essentially the same way: /ˈskukəm/ in the US and /ˈskuːkəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: SKOO-kum.
What does skookum mean?
- Excellent, impressive.
- Big, strong, durable, reliable, trustworthy, doughty.
- An evil spirit or woodland monster or giant.
- A type of doll in the form of a Native American.
Where does skookum come from?
First attested in 1825–35.
Questions about saying skookum
How do you pronounce skookum?
Say SKOO-kum. The American pronunciation is /ˈskukəm/. In British English it is /ˈskuːkəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in skookum?
Skookum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKOO). Broken into parts: SKOO · kum.
Do Americans and Brits say skookum the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈskukəm/ and the British form is /ˈskuːkəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.