Have you ever caught yourself clueless amidst skater slang at the skatepark? Skateboarding isn’t just about mastering the ollie or the slick kickflip; it’s also about speaking the language. It’s natural to start with a gnawing curiosity, perhaps even confusion. But fear not, fellow skater wannabes! We’re here to decode the common skateboarding terms and slang so you won’t feel like you just took a gnarly slam to the pavement—linguistically speaking.
What is skateboarding terminology, and why does it matter?
Like any sport or subculture, it has its unique set of terms and slang. It’s a language that offers an inroad into the vibrant, tightly-knit skateboarder community. Understanding this jargon sets you apart from being just a poser. It adds to your overall skating experience, helping you connect with fellow skaters and express your skateboarding journey effectively.
Skateboarding terminology is not just for social interactions. It also plays a pivotal role in understanding the tricks, the techniques, and the nuanced aspects of the sport. Here’s the deck on why skateboarding lingo is a must-know:
- It reinforces your identity as a skater, making you a part of the ‘tribe.’
- Enhances your understanding of complex moves and tricks.
- Facilitates better communication with fellow skaters.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
What are the top 10 common skateboarding terms and slang?
Skateboarding and its colorful slang are a world of their own. As you dip your toes into the realm of skaters, you’ll hear a ton of jargon that’ll make you scratch your head. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got your back. Let’s delve into the top 10 skateboarding terms to get you up to speed with skater talk.
1. Steez
‘Steez’ is all about style and ease; it’s that effortless cool element in a skater’s ride. Despite the complexity, it describes a skater who makes every trick look smooth and easy. So, how do you ace that steez? It’s about exaggerating every motion, dropping a knee on landing, and serving visual drama through arm movements.
Names like Versace Plug are often linked with steez for their captivating style. The mantra for steez is making cool look easy.
2. Snake
‘Snake’ isn’t a favored term in skateboarding. If you’re tagged as a snake, you’re annoyingly getting in other skaters’ way, cutting them off during their run. Typically, newcomers or the notorious’ scooter kids’ earn this title. It’s important to remember that being a ‘snake’ is frowned upon. Any skate park etiquette guide will tell you to stay alert and follow your line!
3. Poser
Next up is ‘poser.’ In skateboarding lingo, a poser pretends to be a skateboarder to look cool but doesn’t skate. They’re usually decked out in the latest gear but can’t quite pull off even a basic ollie. Being called a poser is often seen as an insult among skaters, undermining the learning journey and dedication true skaters exhibit.
4. Core
A ‘core’ skater is a breed apart in the skate world. They’re essentially skaters who live and breathe skateboarding. Every part of their lives revolves around skateboarding, from who they hang out with to where they shop and travel. ‘Core’ skaters are deeply dedicated to the craft and the lifestyle, pushing the boundaries and sparking innovation.
5. Am
An ‘am’ is essentially short for an amateur who’s just started their journey in the skateboarding world. It’s important to note that being an ‘am’ is not negative. Every great skater has been an ‘am’ at some point. The skateboarding community largely supports ‘ams,’ encouraging their learning and growth.
6. Hash sesh
‘Hash Sesh‘ captures the essence of a killer skate session. It could involve a fantastic day at the skate park, followed by some chill moments like grabbing tacos or hanging out by the beach. Essentially, a ‘hash sesh’ is having a good time on and off your skateboard. This kind of terminology often builds camaraderie among skaters.
7. Landing bolts
‘Landing bolts’ is one of the ultimate compliments in a skater’s world. It means landing a trick flawlessly with your feet right over the bolts of your skateboard. Landing bolts suggest you show absolute control, finesse, and skill on your board. It symbolizes that you are nailing the essence of a trick, making your performance commendable.
8. Mob
If someone’s style is called ‘mob,’ it’s not a compliment. In skater’s parlance, ‘mob’ implies a bad style or sloppy execution of tricks. For instance, a kickflip done poorly with a vertical board might be called a ‘mob kickflip.’ It’s a term to note and avoid while improving your skating prowess.
9. Sacked
Get ‘sacked’ on a rail, and it’s as painful as it sounds. The term refers to an unfortunate scenario where you fall on a rail or any object straddling it. It’s important to time your moves well to avoid getting sacked and be aware of your surroundings while skating.
10. Bag of tricks
Lastly, no skater’s vocabulary is complete without their ‘bag of tricks.’ It’s the arsenal of tricks a skater can pull off anytime, anywhere. Your bag of tricks can be unique and evolve as you progress. It demonstrates your growth as a skater, symbolic of your skill level and creativity.
There you have it—the top 10 skateboarding terms you need to know, whether you’re just starting or looking to be a veteran in the skating community. So, next time you hit the skate park, you won’t feel like you’re in a foreign land. Remember, every ride, every lingo learned, every trick aced—it’s all part of the grand ride!
Dos and don’ts of using skateboarding slang
Once you’ve mastered the skateboarding vocabulary, you’ll want to know how to use it correctly. Remember, it’s not just about throwing around words but using slang appropriately to make you sound like a seasoned skater. Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use the lingo naturally in your conversations | Overuse or force the slang |
| Learn the context of each term | Don’t |
| Keep updating your skateboarding vocabulary | Use slang or terms that you don’t fully understand |
Additional tips for decoding skateboarding lingo
Mastering skateboarding terminology is like getting the hang of a new trick—it takes a bit of time and plenty of practice. Here are a few tips to help you skate through the process.
- Always listen to and learn from fellow skaters.
- Don’t hesitate to ask when unfamiliar terms come up.
- Keep a note of new words and their meanings for reference.
- Incorporate the lingo gradually into your style rather than trying to use it all at once.
- Enjoy the journey!
Skating through the jargon: A novice’s take
As someone relatively new to skateboarding, I’ve realized learning the terminology is like shredding a new trick—challenging but extremely fun. When I first heard the term’ steez,’ I was as confused as a fish out of water. But I decided to dive deep and ask around, and eventually, I found out it refers to a skater with an effortlessly cool style.
“Mastering skateboarding lingo is a bit like getting the hang of a new trick–it takes a bit of time and plenty of practice.”
Hearing and using the term now gives me a sense of belonging, like I am part of the community. It’s not always smooth sailing, and I’ve had my share of slips—like that when I mixed up ‘poser’ with ‘am,’ causing a few laughs at the skate park. Over time, though, I’ve learned to laugh at my mistakes and keep rolling. After all, skateboarding is more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle!
Unearthing the unique dialect of the skateboarding community can be an exhilarating ride. Using skateboarding terms and slang goes beyond mere words, implying certain values and behaviors prevalent in the skater community. Have a look at the table below to decode the essence of some popular skating slang:
| Slang/Term | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Steez | Effortlessly cool style of skateboarding | “The way he lands every flip with such grace is total steez!” |
| Snake | “The way he lands every flip with such grace is total steez!” | A skater who interrupts others’ runs by cutting them off |
| Poser | “Be careful not to snake others while you’re practicing your line.” | Short for an amateur; refers to beginners in the skateboard scene |
| Core | Skaters for whom skateboarding is a lifestyle, not just a hobby | “If you’re here just for the ‘gram photos and not the love of skateboarding, you’re a poser.” |
| Am | Short for an amateur; it refers to beginners in the skateboard scene | “He’s at the skatepark from sunrise to sunset; he’s such a core skater.” |
Advantages and disadvantages of using skateboarding lingo
Understanding the unique language of skateboarding is a bit like unlocking the door to an exclusive club. As with anything new, it comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of using skateboarding slang
Skating lingo can enhance your overall skateboarding journey. Here’s how:
- It helps you blend into the community, making you feel more connected.
- It adds depth to your understanding of skateboarding by learning the nuanced terminology.
- It’s an effective way to communicate intricate moves and tricks with fellow skaters.
Cons of using skateboarding lingo
However, there are also some potential pitfalls you may encounter while learning and using the skater language:
- Misusing slang can make you seem disrespectful or ignorant.
- It might increase social pressure to fit in, taking away from the enjoyment of the sport.
- Overuse of lingo could make you appear pretentious to non-skaters or beginners.
Remember, skateboarding is a world of endless rides, thrilling tricks, and unique lingo. Make the journey your own, embrace the falls, learn the talk, and keep on shredding!
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are you new to skateboarding and confused by the sport’s colorful lingo? We’ve got you covered. Here are some frequently asked questions that’ll help you talk the talk while you walk (or skate) the walk.
What does it mean to land bolts in skateboarding?
‘Landing Bolts’ is a term in skateboarding that refers to executing a trick flawlessly, landing with your feet right over the bolts of your skateboard. This suggests you show complete control and skill on your board. For further insights into executing tricks perfectly, head to the best skateboard tricks for beginners.
What does a bag of tricks refer to in skateboarding?
A ‘Bag of Tricks’ refers to the collection of tricks a skater is comfortable performing at any given time. It’s your repertoire of tricks, unique to each skater and evolving with your progression in skateboarding.
What does it mean if someone’s skateboarding is referred to as a mob?
If a skater’s style is called ‘mob,’ it indicates they have poor or sloppy execution of tricks. It’s generally seen as an unfavorable term. To improve your style and avoid the ‘mob’ tag, you might want to check our list of best skateboard decks for street skating.
Final thoughts
Skateboarding is about more than mastering the perfect kickflip. It’s a culture and a lifestyle, and understanding the unique lingo is integral to being a skater. It’s not just about feeling part of the tribe; it also deepens your connection to the sport and those who share the passion.
Are you ready to drop in and talk skate lingo in your next session? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!
Key takeaways
In this article, we decoded the vibrant vocabulary of skateboarding. Here are some key takeaways:
- ‘Steez’ is an effortless cool in skateboarding style, while ‘snake’ refers to a skater interrupting others’ runs.
- A ‘poser’ is someone pretending to be a skater without truly practicing the sport, while a ‘core’ skater lives and breathes skateboarding.
- ‘Landing Bolts’ refers to flawlessly executing a trick, and ‘Bag of Tricks’ is a skater’s unique collection of mastered tricks.
- ‘Sacked’ is an unfortunate event of falling on a rail, while ‘mob’ refers to poor or sloppy execution of tricks.
- As a skater, learning and understanding skater slang is crucial to fitting in and enhancing your overall skating experience.
