DCHP-3

cheechako ((n.))

[< Chinook Jargon chee new + chako come]
Orig. Northwest
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Spelling variants:
checkako, chechaque

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

n.

a newcomer; greenhorn; tenderfoot.

See: pilgrim(def. 1),tenderfoot

Quotations

1897
In speaking of the miners who came out on the Portland, Captain Kidston was enthusiastic. "These men are every one what the Yukoners call "Chechockoes" or newcomers, and up to last winter they had nothing."
1923
The "cheechaco" (the man who has never seen the ice go out) and the "sour-dough" (the man who has learned to save a little of his bread to be the leaven of the next baking) do not talk the same language.
1963
To many Cheechakos a shipment of a quarter ton of gold bricks represents most fabulous wealth.