If you've ever had a strong conversation with a skateboarder about skateboarding, it may sometimes feel as if they're speaking another language altogether. That's because skateboard enthusiasts - over skateboard many years in which its been a big part of mainstream popular culture - have developed terms, phrases and words that make absolutely no sense whatsoever to the untrained or unexperienced ear. However, just like any tight-knit community, skateboarding has its own nomenclature which helps to communicate the various tricks, moves and components of decks, accessories, gear and other important things which are related to skateboarding in general.
How these phrases came to be is anyone's guess, really. One one hand, some of the words and lingo that boarders may use make absolutely perfect sense when it comes to term and definition. On the other hand, some popular skateboarding words may be named after whoever first coined the phrase - or whomever first pulled off a particular trick. And yet, there are other sentences and phrases which have no defined origin, but are now commonplace and commonly skateboard within the skateboarding world. But, no matter what these words are or how they came to be, one thing is for certain: a glossary of skateboarding terms is full of color.
And if you don't believe me when I say that skateboarding terms and definitions are unique and colorful, listed below are some examples of commonly used terms and phrases that people who are actively involved within the skateboarding world would immediately and instantly understand:
OLLIE: Probably the most commonly basic skateboarding move, an "ollie" involves bumping the back of the skateboard on the ground while in motion in order to perform a jump. Of course, you would never be able to match the word "ollie" with a jump if you weren't familiar with skateboarding to begin with.
FAKIE: What do you think a "fakie" involves? If you said riding on a skateboard with your hands instead of your feet, then you are incorrect. A "fakie" is done when someone is standing on a skateboard as they normally would, but is moving backwards rather than in a forward-motion.
GOOFY FOOT: I'm not certain what the genesis is for a "goofy foot", but skateboarders all over the world know what it means, and I guess that's all that matters. When riding on a board, if you happen to have your right foot forward and your left foot behind, then you are riding "goofy foot." I don't get it either.
AIR: Riding along on your skateboard with all four wheels. Really, it can't get much simpler than that.
These are just some of the terms that - over the course of many years - have evolved from underground language to mainstream phrasing. Of course, if you want to become even more familiar with skateboarding words and definitions, then there's one surefire way to do so: and that's to take up skateboarding yourself! Not only is skateboarding fun, easy, affordable and a great way to get into shape, but skateboarding is also an easy and unique way to, well, learn a whole new language too!
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to Birdhouse Skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.
Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, skateboard wheels, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!
And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
When starting up, you'll be under a huge culture shock due to the massive influx of information you're receiving. Having a lot of friends who skates in Miami, it made me easier to feel at home on their culture, and they always give me pointers on safety in landing those tricks, just so they won't see me all patched up by the dentist again due to me hitting a lamp post after winging an ollie.
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