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Outside (Alaska Slang)

Road through Alaska, where Outside means beyond the state
Photo: schizoform, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20110731_The_road_(Dalton_Highway).jpg)

In one line

In Alaska, Outside means the Lower 48 or any place beyond the state.

Outside is an Alaskan term for places beyond the state. Some Alaskans use it to mean the contiguous United States, and others use it more broadly for any place not in Alaska [1].

Road through Alaska, where Outside means beyond the state
Road through Alaska, where Outside means beyond the state. Photo: schizoform / CC BY 2.0.
TermOutside
MeaningThe contiguous United States, or any place not in Alaska
Related termLower 48

Meaning

According to Wikipedia, some Alaskans use Outside to mean the contiguous states, while others use it more broadly for any place not in Alaska [1].

Lower 48

The related phrase Lower 48 is a common Alaskan equivalent of the contiguous United States and has long been used in Alaska [1]. The source does not say where either term comes from [1].

FAQs

What does Outside mean in Alaska? Either the contiguous United States or any place not in Alaska [1].

What is the Lower 48? A common Alaskan term for the contiguous United States [1].

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Outside (Alaska)

Key facts

  • Related to the term Lower 48
  • Origin not stated in the source

In the news

Quick checkWhat does Outside mean in Alaska?Show answer

It means the contiguous United States, or more broadly any place not in Alaska.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia. Outside (Alaska) (accessed 2026-11-14)

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue