Why do people say “out west?”

[Shokgoblr]

We like to generalize, categorize and lump everyone together. Its easier to bemoan someone if they are part of a larger whole- people generally dont like personal attacks.

 

[MidOH]

Yes Colorado is roughly central, actually in the eastern half of the USA. The mid-point between the easternmost point and the westernmost point in the USA is the border between Idaho and Oregon, more or less. The "mid west", in the sense of the middle part of the western half, would be the Alaskan "panhandle".

If we consider the country to be divided into halves based on area, rather simply longitude then the centre is near Belle Fourche, South Dakota at 44°58′2.07622″N 103°46′17.60283″W. Colorado is still central...

Because ''central'' was Viginia when America bought Colorado with a stack of blankets.

 

[Pskhaat]

We like to generalize, categorize and lump everyone together. Its easier to bemoan someone if they are part of a larger whole- people generally dont like personal attacks.

Sorry here, did I miss a rude reference? I certainly hope you are not implying there are personal attacks occurring?

 

[bgenlvtex]

Ya'll seem to be overlooking "down south" ,"up north", "down town" "up town" "over yonder" down yonder" and the all encompassing "back home"

 

[old_man]

Because ''central'' was Viginia when America bought Colorado with a stack of blankets.

Where did you get that? One of those Yankee schools?

 

[Correus]

Yes Colorado is roughly central, actually in the eastern half of the USA. The mid-point between the easternmost point and the westernmost point in the USA is the border between Idaho and Oregon, more or less. The "mid west", in the sense of the middle part of the western half, would be the Alaskan "panhandle".

If we consider the country to be divided into halves based on area, rather simply longitude then the centre is near Belle Fourche, South Dakota at 44°58′2.07622″N 103°46′17.60283″W. Colorado is still central...

Ya'll seem to be overlooking "down south" ,"up north", "down town" "up town" "over yonder" down yonder" and the all encompassing "back home"

DAMNIT!!!! Now I have 'Old Yeller' and Taco's 'Puttin' On the Ritz' going through the ol' noggin...

 

[Murphy Slaw]

louisiana really should be "out south"....

We call it "down there"...

 

[Tundracamper]

I think we need to adopt a nicer location-neutral approach and refer to folks as “those people over there,” though I guess that could be offensive to someone that doesn’t like the “people” term - maybe “those over there?”

 

[bgenlvtex]

I think we need to adopt a nicer location-neutral approach and refer to folks as “those people over there,” though I guess that could be offensive to someone that doesn’t like the “people” term - maybe “those over there?”

I identify as a nuclear attack submarine, you bigot.

 

[Correus]

I think we need to adopt a nicer location-neutral approach and refer to folks as “those people over there,” though I guess that could be offensive to someone that doesn’t like the “people” term - maybe “those over there?”

"Those...", "THOSE..."!!!! I'm offended!!! I identity as a gender neutral rock - you've just dumped me in with everything in that general direction!!!

I am so upset and offended - I'm going to write to my congressperson! I'm going to protest online! I'm going to take it to the streets and burn the place down!!!

ROTFLMAO!!!

 

[Neal A. Tew]

I identify as a nuclear attack submarine, you bigot.

Everyone, please be nice to Bruce. I'm all out of marshmallows.

 

[Tundracamper]

I identify as a nuclear attack submarine, you bigot.

Hey, I like that. Me too!!

 

[Neal A. Tew]

I want to identify as something that doesn't have to pay income tax.

What should that be?

 

[trikebubble]

I use out west and back east. I live in the east. It's also up north and down south. It grinds my gears when locals say down in Labrador. NOOOO, it's UP IN LABRADOR!

Hows about living North of the Pacific Northwest. :) And pretty much anything the other side of the Rockies is "East" for what it's worth anyways, eh?

 

[Craig Schueren]

y'all know out west is west and back east is back theres a way.

 

[trikebubble]

They refer to Colorado is West. Heck it is almost more Central. Why is the Midwest on the East side of the country?

I remember planning a trip to Colorado to visit friends, go to Ouray, etc. I really had no ideas where it was, but figured "well, they say it's in the West ..... and I live on the West coast of BC, so how far can it be?" 2500km later we ended up in Colorado.

 

[J.W.]

I used to enjoy teaching this part of American History to undergrads.

"Out West" is closely tied with the concept of Manifest Destiny. For a long time, The United States did not extend past the Appalachian Mountains. Going 'out' west was essentially leaving the confines of "in" the United States. Of course that frontier line kept moving so the concept of West kept changing too.

From an American History perspective, West is Kentucky and anything after it.

 

[bgenlvtex]

I want to identify as something that doesn't have to pay income tax.

What should that be?

Nuclear attack subs don't pay taxes, but you've already mocked me for my identity so you can't be one.

It's in the rules, don't make me make one up.

 

[Neal A. Tew]

I want to identify as something that doesn't have to pay income tax.

What should that be?

Nuclear attack subs don't pay taxes, but you've already mocked me for my identity so you can't be one.

It's in the rules, don't make me make one up.

I would NEVER mock a nukular attack sub. I don't like mushrooms.

 

[bgenlvtex]

I would NEVER mock a nukular attack sub. I don't like mushrooms.

That you Dubya?