Scooter Lingo - Volume 1

“That scooter is so dialed and those bri flips are legit! You’re riding steezy today. I can’t wait to see that banger in your next edit, homie!”

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This is the first article in what I expect will be a series of articles to help teach parents and kids who are new to the scooter world about some of the lingo you’ll hear from other riders. I apologize in advance if some of my definitions and usage isn’t perfect. This dorky ScooterDad will do his best to fit in with the kids and talk the talk. :o)

The first thing to know about scooter lingo is that it comes from the skate park and the streets, so many of the words crossover from skateboarding, BMX, and snowboarding. If you have a background in any alternative sports, you may already know some of the terms. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask what someone means. It’s better to ask than assume you know and be wrong.

Listen to how the words are used so you can learn the dialogue like you’re visiting a new part of the world where you have to learn a new dialect. Have fun!

Also check out Scooter Lingo - Volume 2.

legit
adjective

1. To be legitimate, as in having quality and/or significance.

   This is an extremely commonly used word in the scooter world in reference to everything from parts to tricks, parks to people, etc. It’s usage can be almost comical at times as it’s prevalence becomes a parody of itself.

   Impact Scooter News is a legit website. Those Phoenix Switchblade brakes are totally legit. I need to find some legit street spots to ride and film.

dialed
adjective

1. Describing a scooter that doesn’t rattle and is solid.

   It is highly desirable for a scooter to be dialed. In fact, riders often compare scooters amongst one another to see who’s scooter is the most dialed. Commonly, you’ll see riders do a drop test in which they drop the scooter from a few inches, catch the bars upon bounce, and hold the scooter lightly in the air to see if it rings like a bell, indicated that it is dialed. Similarly, a trick can be described as dialed, as in “I have bri flips dialed on that ramp”, meaning “I can consistently land bri flips on that ramp”.

   My scooter is so dialed. I need to get a new headset so my scooter will be dialed. Those new ZG completes are so dialed!

verb

1. The process by which someone removes all rattling qualities from a scooter.

   As a parent, you will likely be asked to help dial a scooter and you’ll spend many hours trying to get it just right.

   I asked Kingsley to help me dial my scooter. My scooter was rattling, but my new headset dialed it. Replacing my spring brake dialed my deck.

steezy
adjective

1. In a manner that combines style and ease, hence, “steeze”.

   This word supposedly comes from the snowboarding world and is often used to describe someone’s riding style or the way he executed a particular trick. The noun form of “steeze” is also common referring to the style and ease someone possesses.

   That tuck no-hander was so steezy! Jeremy’s airs have so much steeze. Check out how steezy Tyler’s 270 over the hip is.

chill
adjective

1. Describing something, usually a person, that is low-maintenance, easy to get along with, and doesn’t cause a problem. Laid back.

   People are most often described as chill, although it can be applied to groups of people or environments. Being chill is a desirable quality among most riders in the scooter world.

   Kody is such a chill guy to ride with. Skate Barn is a chill place to ride, especially if you stay late.

session
noun

1. A specified block of time in which one or more riders are riding a particular spot or location. Sometimes abbreviated as sesh.

   Most commonly, this word is used in reference to an upcoming ride time when trying to organize with other riders.

   We’re going to hit the skate park for a late night session. Do you want to ride a quick session after school? Sesh at my house on Saturday!

verb

1. The action of riding a particular spot or location for a period of time.

   This usage is often in reference to a shorter period of time than the noun usage of session and the activity is typically more specific. That is, the noun session would refer to an hour or more at an area doing many tricks on many obstacles. The verb session would refer to the intent to practice a specific obstacle for a shorter period of time, such as 30 minutes.

   I’m going to session that spine until I can 360 whip it. Do you want to go session the bowl with me? The last time I sessioned that spot, I dehubbed a wheel.

edit
noun

1. A video compiled from multiple shots into a refined piece, often set to music.

   Edits are often related to a specific event or collection of events. A day edit would be a collection of clips from a particular day. A spring edit might be clips from the spring season. A sponsor me edit would be clips compiled with the intent to show to potential sponsors. A Phoenix edit might be clips from you on your new Phoenix deck.

   Jake is working on a new edit with Ty. Did you see the latest teaser edit from the upcoming Lucky DVD? I’m going to put together a day edit from all the footage we shot today.

banger
noun

1. A video clip of an exceptionally good trick. Often, the best trick from a series of clips, often at the end of the series.

   This term is used almost exclusively in reference to videos and/or shooting videos.

   I only film bangers. Justin threw down some real bangers today. I need to shoot a banger for that edit.

So now you might have some clue as to what is being said around the scooter world. Look for more lingo articles to come! If you have any suggestions for terms you’d like defined, leave a comment below.