Skateboarding Lingo: Top 10 Terms You Must Know (That Skaters Actually Say)

Think you’ve got skate slang down? I’ve been riding since I was a cocky 13-year-old in NYC, thinking I was cool for knowing what a backside meant. Now I’m the old guy at the skatepark, but I’m still learning new tricks and new lingo. Regardless, over my time, I’ve picked up a ton of words that are now stamped into my lexicon. Here’s what I’ve picked up along the way.

One of my favorite YouTube channels, Skate Or Die, has a really good video about this topic. If you’re more of a visual person, take a look at this.

The essential skate vocab: What you’ll actually hear at the park

1. Bail: The art of the graceful (or not-so-graceful) exit

Let’s start with a classic: bail. To bail is to abort a trick, usually to avoid a worse fall. It’s a verb, a noun, and a way of life for any skater pushing their limits.

I’ve bailed more times than I can count. Sometimes it’s strategic – you realize mid-air that this isn’t going to end well. Other times, it’s pure instinct when your board decides to go one way and you go another.

Skating Tip: The Art of Bailing

You might wonder, “Isn’t bailing just falling?” Not quite. Bailing is an art form. It’s about minimizing damage and, if you’re lucky, making it look intentional. Ever seen a skater smoothly run out of a failed trick? That’s a quality bail.

2. Slam: When the ground says hello

Now, when a bail goes wrong, you might end up with a slam. This is the less graceful cousin of bailing – it’s when you hit the ground hard, often in spectacular fashion.

I’ve slammed so many times I’m practically on a first-name basis with the pavement. My worst slam? Attempting a handrail grind in NYC and ending up with a face full of concrete and a bruised ego.

3. Session or “Sesh”: Where the magic happens

A skate session (or sesh for short) is when you get together with your crew to skate. It could be an hour, an afternoon, or an all-day affair.

Some of my best memories are from long summer sessions in New York, skating from spot to spot until the streetlights came on. These days, my sessions are shorter (hello, dad life), but they’re still the highlight of my week.

4. Drop in: The moment of truth

Dropping in is the act of starting your run from the top of a ramp or bowl. It’s simple in theory, but it can be terrifying for beginners.

I still remember my first drop in. I stood at the top of the halfpipe for what felt like hours, petrified. When I finally went for it, I slammed hard. But you know what? I got back up and tried again. That’s what skating’s all about.

5. Board! The runaway skateboard alert

Here’s a term you’ll definitely hear shouted across the park, and it’s not just random noise. When someone yells “Board!”, pay attention fast. It means there’s a runaway skateboard rolling through, and you don’t want to be in its path.

I learned the importance of this call the hard way. Back in my NYC days, I was so focused on lining up a trick that I didn’t hear someone yell “Board!” Next thing I knew, I was flat on my back, taken out by a rogue skateboard. Trust me, those things hurt when they hit you at speed.

Yelling “Board!” is one of those unwritten rules of skatepark etiquette. If your board gets away from you, you better be shouting it at the top of your lungs. It’s not just about avoiding bruises – a fast-moving board can cause serious injury, especially to younger skaters.

Safety Tip: Why “Board!” and Not “Skateboard!”

Ever wondered why we don’t yell “Skateboard!” instead? In the split second, you have to react; those extra syllables could indicate the difference between someone dodging the board or taking a hit. “Board!” is quick, loud, and gets the point across fast.

6. Snake: The park pest, not a reptile

If you hear someone yell “Snake!” at the park, don’t look for scales. A snake is that annoying skater who keeps cutting people off during their runs.

I’ve seen my fair share of snakes, especially when the scooter kids invade. It’s not just annoying, it’s dangerous. Nothing kills your flow faster than having to bail because some clueless kid snaked your line.

7. Poser: All gear, no idea

Now, poser is a term that gets thrown around a lot, sometimes unfairly. In its truest form, a poser is someone who’s all about the skateboard lifestyle… without actually skating.

You know the type – decked out in the latest Supreme drop, board looks fresh out of the shop, but they can’t even stand up on it without eating pavement. We’ve all been beginners, but posers aren’t trying to learn. They’re just there for the ‘gram.

Encouragement Tip: Don’t Worry About Looking Like a Poser

Ever caught yourself worrying about looking like a poser? Don’t sweat it. Real skaters respect anyone who’s genuinely trying to improve, no matter how many times they slam.

8. “Steez” (Steezie): Style with ease, not a new deodorant

Steez is all about making the difficult look effortless. It’s that magical combo of style and ease that makes jaws drop at the skatepark.

I remember watching guys like Versace Plug and thinking, “Damn, that’s some next-level steez.” It’s not just about landing the trick, it’s about making it look like you were born on that board.

9. “Butter”: Smooth like… well, butter

Butter is basically steez’s twin brother. When someone says a trick or a line is butter, they mean it’s smooth, fluid, and effortless-looking.

I’ve seen skaters hit lines so butter you’d swear they were floating. It’s not just about nailing the trick, it’s about how you string it all together. A butter run is like watching a choreographed dance – every move flows into the next without a hitch.

Ever wonder why we use “butter” instead of just saying “smooth”? Well, think about butter melting on a hot pan – that’s the kind of seamless, flowing movement we’re talking about in skating.

10. “Backside” and “Frontside”: It’s all about orientation

Backside and frontside are fundamental terms in skating that describe which way you’re facing during a trick or approach. It’s not about which side of the obstacle you’re on – it’s about your body position.

Frontside means you’re facing forward as you approach or rotate. Backside means your back is leading the way. Simple, right? Well, it gets trickier when you start doing spins and flips, but that’s the basic idea.

I remember when I first started, I’d always mix these up. I’d call out, “Frontside 180!” and then proceed to do a backside 180. It took a while to get it right, but eventually it clicked.

Ever wondered why we need these terms? Try describing a complex trick without them. “I did a spin where I was facing the… uh… opposite way of… um…” Yeah, not so easy. Backside and frontside give us a quick, clear way to communicate body position.

The Words You Won’t Hear (Unless Someone’s Trolling)

Here’s a list of words that the mainstream seems to think skateboarders still use, but in reality, I just don’t hear anyone saying these—at least not in 2024, not even in 2020, and honestly, not even 10 years ago.

• “Gnarly”
• “Radical”
• “Shred”

Sure, some people might say this, but it’s rare. It’s just kind of annoying because mainstream media loves to portray skateboarders talking like this, but it’s outdated and unrealistic.

I cringe every time I hear these words in skate movies or TV shows. It’s like nails on a chalkboard. Real skaters don’t talk like extras from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. We’re not cartoon characters.

But who cares? Why would anyone even need to know these words? Can’t you just say stuff? Can you clean English?

You might be thinking, “Who cares about a bunch of words? Isn’t skating about, you know, actually skating?” Sure, but here’s the thing: skateboarding is a subculture rich with its own language. To fully embrace the subculture, you need to speak the language. Also, the words we use shape how we think and how we connect with each other.

Skate slang is a shorthand. It’s how we communicate quickly in a sport where split-second timing matters. But it’s more than that. It’s how we identify each other, how we show respect, how we build community.

When I moved from New York to Ohio, I was worried I wouldn’t fit in at the local park. But the first time I heard someone say “Sick bail, man!” after I narrowly avoided eating shit on a failed grind, I knew I’d found my people. The lingo might change, but the spirit of skating is universal.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, the best way to learn skate slang is to get out there and skate. Hang out at the park, watch, listen, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most skaters are stoked to share their knowledge.

And remember, it’s not about sounding cool. It’s about communicating with your fellow skaters in a way that’s efficient, expressive, and true to the spirit of the sport. So ditch the “gnarly” and embrace the “sick”. Your fellow skaters will thank you.

Now get out there and skate. And if you bail? No worries. Dust yourself off, get back on the board, and remember – every slam, every bail, every sketchy drop-in is all part of the journey. Stay stoked, my friends, and I’ll see you at the next sesh.

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.

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.

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!

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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.

Helpful resources

• Skateboards
• Skateboarding | History, Culture, Tricks, & Facts
• Skater Slang & Skateboarding Terminology Guide