Expect delays with customer service and shipping. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Search
Back to All Blog Posts

The Beginner’s Guide to Airsoft Slang

 

 

Just like any other sport, airsoft has its own lexicon. Don’t be left out of the loop. Give this blog a quick read-through so when you are in an airsoft shop or on the field you won’t be lost. 

1. BB

  • Definition: The small plastic projectiles 6mm in diameter that are used in airsoft guns. The most common BB weight is 0.20g but BBs can be found up to .45g.

  • Example: "Make sure you're using high-quality BBs so your gun doesn’t jam."

2. AEG (Automatic Electric Gun)

  • Definition: A type of airsoft gun powered by an electric motor, typically using a rechargeable battery. AEGs can be semi-automatic or fully automatic.

  • Example: "I’m going to upgrade my AEG with a better battery for longer playtime."

3. GBB (Gas Blow Back)

  • Definition: Airsoft guns that use green gas to propel BBs, providing a realistic recoil action with each shot.

  • Example: "I love the realism of my GBB pistol, especially the blowback feature."

4. Milsim

  • Definition: Short for "Military Simulation," this refers to airsoft games that aim to replicate real-world military operations with more realistic tactics, equipment, and objectives.

  • Example: "This weekend’s event is a Milsim game; we’re doing a 12-hour operation."

5. CQB (Close Quarters Battle)

  • Definition: A type of airsoft game or combat situation that takes place in tight, confined spaces, like indoor arenas or urban environments.

  • Example: "I need to get a shorter barreled carbine for better maneuverability in CQB."

6. Hit

  • Definition: When a player is struck by a BB. In airsoft, it’s typically up to the player to call themselves out when they’re hit, unless the game is structured differently.

  • Example: "I got hit in the shoulder, I’m out!"

7. Blindfire

  • Definition: Firing an airsoft gun without looking at the target, often by peeking around a corner or barricade without aiming. It's generally frowned upon and often illegal in some airsoft fields.

  • Example: "No blindfire! You have to aim down the sights."

8. FPS (Feet Per Second)

  • Definition: The measure of how fast a BB travels when shot from an airsoft gun. It's a key indicator of the power of a gun and is often regulated at airsoft fields for safety.

  • Example: "My gun shoots at 350 FPS, so I can use it in most fields."

9. Hop-Up

  • Definition: A mechanism in airsoft guns that puts backspin on the BB, allowing it to fly further and more accurately. It’s a crucial part of a gun’s accuracy, particularly for long-range shots.

  • Example: "I need to adjust my hop-up, I’m getting too many curveballs."

10. Mag (Magazine)

  • Definition: The component of an airsoft gun that holds and feeds BBs into the firing chamber. Can be high-cap (high capacity), mid-cap (medium capacity), or low-cap (low capacity).

  • Example: "My high-cap mag has a 500-round capacity, so I don’t need to reload as often."

11. Speedloader

  • Definition: A tool used to quickly load BBs into an airsoft gun magazine.

  • Example: "I always carry a speedloader, or I’ll be reloading all day."

12. ADS (Aiming Down Sights)

  • Definition: The act of using the sights on an airsoft gun (iron sights, red dot sight, etc.) to align the gun with a target for more accurate shooting.

  • Example: "I missed that shot; I need to practice more on ADS."

13. Tactical Gear

  • Definition: The clothing and accessories that airsoft players wear for functionality and protection, such as vests, pouches, holsters, knee pads, and helmets.

  • Example: "I’m adding more pouches to my tactical gear for extra magazines."

14. Splat

  • Definition: A slang term for when a BB hits a player, often used humorously or casually.

  • Example: "I got splatted right in the chest during that last round."

15. Noob

  • Definition: A term used to describe a beginner or someone inexperienced in airsoft. It can be used affectionately or teasingly, but can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

  • Example: "I’m still a noob, but I’m learning the ropes."

16. Respawn

  • Definition: The act of re-entering the game after being eliminated, typically after waiting at a designated respawn point.

  • Example: "I’ve been respawned! Time to get back in the action."

17. Dead Man Walking

  • Definition: A player who has been hit but continues moving or firing, either unintentionally or while attempting to reach a respawn point.

  • Example: "That guy’s a dead man walking; he didn’t call his hit."

18. Whack

  • Definition: A term used when a player is hit hard or unexpectedly in the game.

  • Example: "I totally got whacked from behind—I didn’t even see that coming!"

19. The Kill Zone

  • Definition: The area where players are most likely to be engaged in direct combat or eliminated by the opposing team.

  • Example: "Stay low, we’re entering the kill zone, and it’s about to get intense."

20. Mag Dump

  • Definition: Firing an entire magazine of BBs rapidly, often to clear the mag quickly or in a frantic situation.

  • Example: "I mag-dumped into that bunker to suppress the enemy team."

21. Camo

  • Definition: Short for camouflage, this refers to the clothing or patterns used to blend in with the environment.

  • Example: "I need to get new camo that works better in a woodland environment."

22. Tactical Reload

  • Definition: A reload performed during the game to ensure the player’s magazine is full and ready for further action. It differs from a "speed reload," which is typically done under pressure.

  • Example: "I did a tactical reload before pushing up to the objective."

23. Cheater

  • Definition: A player who fails to call their hits, or uses unsporting tactics such as blindfiring or manipulating the rules.

  • Example: "That guy’s a cheater, he didn’t call his hit when I saw him get tagged."

24. Gun Jam

  • Definition: When an airsoft gun malfunctions and fails to fire, often due to BBs getting stuck in the barrel or magazine.

  • Example: "My AEG is having a gun jam, I need to fix it before the next round."

25. Tactical Advantage

  • Definition: The strategic position or situation that gives a team the upper hand, whether it's high ground, good cover, or numerical superiority.

  • Example: "We need to get to the high ground for the tactical advantage."

26. PDW

  • Definition: A pistol or short action rifle style gun that is extremely compact and allows for a very stable shooting interface due to the usually present collapsible stock.

  • Example: “I use my PDW to clear staircases in CQB.

 

Comments
Write a Comment Close Comment Form