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
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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.
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Example: "Make sure you're using high-quality BBs so your gun doesn’t jam."
2. AEG (Automatic Electric Gun)
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Definition: A type of airsoft gun powered by an electric motor, typically using a rechargeable battery. AEGs can be semi-automatic or fully automatic.
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Example: "I’m going to upgrade my AEG with a better battery for longer playtime."
3. GBB (Gas Blow Back)
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Definition: Airsoft guns that use green gas to propel BBs, providing a realistic recoil action with each shot.
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Example: "I love the realism of my GBB pistol, especially the blowback feature."
4. Milsim
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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.
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Example: "This weekend’s event is a Milsim game; we’re doing a 12-hour operation."
5. CQB (Close Quarters Battle)
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Definition: A type of airsoft game or combat situation that takes place in tight, confined spaces, like indoor arenas or urban environments.
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Example: "I need to get a shorter barreled carbine for better maneuverability in CQB."
6. Hit
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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.
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Example: "I got hit in the shoulder, I’m out!"
7. Blindfire
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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.
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Example: "No blindfire! You have to aim down the sights."
8. FPS (Feet Per Second)
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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.
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Example: "My gun shoots at 350 FPS, so I can use it in most fields."
9. Hop-Up
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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.
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Example: "I need to adjust my hop-up, I’m getting too many curveballs."
10. Mag (Magazine)
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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).
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Example: "My high-cap mag has a 500-round capacity, so I don’t need to reload as often."
11. Speedloader
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Definition: A tool used to quickly load BBs into an airsoft gun magazine.
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Example: "I always carry a speedloader, or I’ll be reloading all day."
12. ADS (Aiming Down Sights)
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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.
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Example: "I missed that shot; I need to practice more on ADS."
13. Tactical Gear
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Definition: The clothing and accessories that airsoft players wear for functionality and protection, such as vests, pouches, holsters, knee pads, and helmets.
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Example: "I’m adding more pouches to my tactical gear for extra magazines."
14. Splat
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Definition: A slang term for when a BB hits a player, often used humorously or casually.
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Example: "I got splatted right in the chest during that last round."
15. Noob
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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.
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Example: "I’m still a noob, but I’m learning the ropes."
16. Respawn
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Definition: The act of re-entering the game after being eliminated, typically after waiting at a designated respawn point.
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Example: "I’ve been respawned! Time to get back in the action."
17. Dead Man Walking
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Definition: A player who has been hit but continues moving or firing, either unintentionally or while attempting to reach a respawn point.
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Example: "That guy’s a dead man walking; he didn’t call his hit."
18. Whack
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Definition: A term used when a player is hit hard or unexpectedly in the game.
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Example: "I totally got whacked from behind—I didn’t even see that coming!"
19. The Kill Zone
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Definition: The area where players are most likely to be engaged in direct combat or eliminated by the opposing team.
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Example: "Stay low, we’re entering the kill zone, and it’s about to get intense."
20. Mag Dump
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Definition: Firing an entire magazine of BBs rapidly, often to clear the mag quickly or in a frantic situation.
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Example: "I mag-dumped into that bunker to suppress the enemy team."
21. Camo
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Definition: Short for camouflage, this refers to the clothing or patterns used to blend in with the environment.
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Example: "I need to get new camo that works better in a woodland environment."
22. Tactical Reload
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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.
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Example: "I did a tactical reload before pushing up to the objective."
23. Cheater
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Definition: A player who fails to call their hits, or uses unsporting tactics such as blindfiring or manipulating the rules.
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Example: "That guy’s a cheater, he didn’t call his hit when I saw him get tagged."
24. Gun Jam
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Definition: When an airsoft gun malfunctions and fails to fire, often due to BBs getting stuck in the barrel or magazine.
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Example: "My AEG is having a gun jam, I need to fix it before the next round."
25. Tactical Advantage
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Definition: The strategic position or situation that gives a team the upper hand, whether it's high ground, good cover, or numerical superiority.
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Example: "We need to get to the high ground for the tactical advantage."
26. PDW
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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.
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Example: “I use my PDW to clear staircases in CQB.