I hope any who are interested in the "skookum" discussion will keep it going, but I thought I would keep the thread current by adding today's "Word for the Day":
chaparral (shap-uh-RAL, chap-) noun

A dense, often impenetrable, growth of shrubs and thorny bushes.

[From Spanish chaparral, from chaparro (dwarf evergreen oak), from Basque txapar (thicket).]

"Chaparral" is one of those melodious words which suggests more than it actually means.

Who does not get carried away with the romance and adventure of "high chaparral"?

What would Hugo Boss do with this:

Give him what he really wants.
Give him "High Chaparral".

BTW, for those who may not know, "High Chaparral" was the name of a popular TV series during the '60's.

"The High Chaparral" (1967) [TV-Series 1967-1971]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061263/

Link to photo of the cast:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=60396&item=4063866801&rd=1

And, Dr. Bill tells me it is also the name of a BBQ brisquette which has sold very well.

BTW Dr. Bill thought "chaps", worn by cowboys to protect their legs from chaparral, might be a contraction of "chaparral". Apparently, not:

"Chaps (from the Spanish chaparejos and/or chappareras) are descended from the Mexican vaqueros armas (skirt like pieces of bullhide tied to the saddle horn to hang down in front of the legs which developed into armitas, similar to modern chinks, which were smaller and belted around the waist) and the Indians leggings (two step in tubes of leather with no seat)."

http://www.wrtcleather.com/index_chaps-main.html

If this post seems long-winded, I apologize. I am also posting Dr. Bill's input.