Skateboarding has a global following, and skaters in different parts of the world have their own unique terms and slang. One interesting aspect of skateboarding lingo is the regional differences in vocabulary. Regional Differences in Skateboard Vocabulary The term is used affectionately and is a nod to the next generation of skateboarders. Grom A grom is a young skateboarder, usually under the age of 12. It's often used to describe the feeling of a smooth ride or a great session. Shralp Shralp is a term used to describe the sound of skateboard wheels on pavement. Skateboarders often use it to describe how they feel about landing a trick or getting a new skateboard. Stoked Stoked is a term used to describe a feeling of excitement or enthusiasm. Some emerging skateboarding slang includes: New terms and slang are emerging all the time. Like any language, skateboarding lingo is constantly evolving. Most skateboarders are happy to share their knowledge and help others learn. If you're not sure about a term, don't be afraid to ask. Using skateboarding lingo in context is crucial for communicating effectively with other skateboarders.

Watch skateboarding videos, read skateboarding magazines, and talk to skateboarders. However, like any language, the best way to learn is to immerse yourself in it. Using skateboarding lingo can be intimidating, especially if you're not familiar with the terminology. Understanding the names of tricks is essential for communicating with other skateboarders and learning new tricks. For instance, in the US, a 360 flip is also known as a tre flip, while in Europe, it's called a hardflip. Some tricks have more than one name, depending on where you are in the world. For example, the kickflip was invented by Rodney Mullen, and it involves flipping the skateboard in the air with the front foot. Skateboarding tricks and maneuvers are named after their inventors, the motion performed, or both. Tricks and Maneuvers - Understanding the Names Street skateboarding is the most popular form of skateboarding and has gained mainstream recognition in recent years. Street Street skateboarding involves performing tricks on everyday objects like stairs, curbs, and benches. Vert skating is often considered the most challenging form of skateboarding. Vert Vert is short for vertical, and it refers to skateboarding on a vertical ramp. Some of the most popular flip tricks include the kickflip, heelflip, and varial flip. The most common types of grinds are the 50-50, where both trucks are on the rail, and the boardslide, where the board is perpendicular to the rail.įlip tricks Flip tricks involve the skateboarder flipping their board while in the air. Grind A grind is a trick where the skateboarder slides along an object, like a rail or curb, with the trucks of their skateboard. The ollie was invented by Alan 'Ollie' Gelfand in the late 1970s.

It's a maneuver where the skater jumps with the board and lands back on it. Ollie The ollie is the foundation of most skateboard tricks. Here are some of the most frequently used skateboarding terms and their meanings: To understand skateboarding lingo, you need to learn the most common terms used by skateboarders. Common Skateboarding Terms and Their Meanings Terms like 'dude,' 'rad,' and 'gnarly' became part of the mainstream lexicon, thanks to skateboarding's influence on popular culture. The language was a reflection of the subculture's unique identity, and it quickly spread beyond the skateboarding community. Skaters began to invent their own terms to describe the tricks and maneuvers they were performing. They were made of wooden planks with roller skate wheels attached to the bottom.Īs skateboarding grew in popularity, so did its language. The first skateboards were nothing like the ones we see today. Surfers wanted to find a way to practice their skills on land, and thus, skateboarding was born. Skateboarding has its roots in the surfing culture of Southern California in the late 1950s.

The History of Skateboarding and Its Impact on Language

Surfer lingo vs skateboard lingo