Skater Slang
Skater slang decoded — gnarly, bail, ollie and skateboarding terms with real meanings and origins. Properly sourced.
351 words
Surfing with the left foot forward — the common stance.
The critical moment of catching a wave and dropping in.
A metal cylinder over the axle used to grind, stall, and stand on.
Consistent and perfectly executed, or perfectly set up.
A seaward pull of water beneath the surface near shore.
The distance between the two trucks' mounting holes.
The main triangular truck body that holds the axle.
A snug shirt guarding against board rash and sunburn.
Bars cranked nearly 180 while the front end is pulled up sideways.
Carrying the board by the trucks; a fashion faux pas.
A bodyboarder — mildly ribbing slang from stand-up surfers.
Board shorts — the classic surfer's swim shorts.
A skilled carver who drags a hand along the snow; also a jibe for snowboarders.
Both feet taken off the pedals and stuck out to the sides mid-air.
The hollow tube of air formed as a wave pitches over and curls.
The thumb-and-pinky hand sign for aloha and good vibes.
Near-zero visibility from heavy snow or fog.
To land a jump or trick perfectly and solidly.
Charged up with energy and excitement before or during a surf.
A heelflip combined with a frontside shove-it.
An especially dangerous gap that could badly hurt you.
A frontside air with a kicked-out front foot and lien-style grab.
To slide, bonk, or press on non-snow features like rails and boxes.
Soft, slushy spring snow.
Rolling backward then pivoting 180 on the rear wheel.
The metal axle assemblies that hold the wheels and let you turn.
Discomforting, scary, or unnerving.
To grab and crank the board mid-air for extra style.
To miss a trick or crash.
Replacing worn grip tape with a fresh sheet.
The low point between two waves.
Fresh, untracked lines in new snow.
A dedicated surfer who's in the water every single day.
A shove-it done with an ollie pop for height.
A surfer equally skilled riding either stance.
Starting a run by tipping off the top of a ramp into the transition.
A boxy obstacle combining ledges, rails, and banks.
Rolling balanced on just the back two wheels, like a wheelie.
Someone who looks the part but can't actually skate.
A benchmark of surfing greatness, after Kelly Slater.