In Alaska, Outside or the Outside refers to any non-Alaska location.[1] Though commonly used by Alaskans to refer to other U.S. states,[2] it may also refer to international locations distant from Alaska, including Canada, Great Britain and Russia. The term has been in use since at least the beginning of the 20th century and is believed to be an adaptation of a similar Canadian term used in the northern portion of that country and referring to southern Canada.[3] The expression is typically used in an adverbial phrase following some form of the word "go", but it is also used as a simple noun.[3]
The first known usage of the term in an Alaska context is in Through the Yukon Gold Diggings, by Josiah Spurr.[4] Usage continues today, particularly in publications away from Southcentral Alaska and Anchorage.[5][6] The inverse of the term, Inside, is infrequently used.[7]