Words used among skateboarders Here is a list of words we frequently use while skateboarding and what they mean. They can be applied to other sports like roller skating, biking, riding scooters, etc. There are no names of tricks or anything, just general words/phrases. 

Slam = to fall

Eat shit (explicit) = to fall really hard

Drop in = to roll down a steep ramp

Vert - steep ramps that go up to a vertical incline such as a half pipe.

Transition - ramps that connect at an angle, such as two ramps meeting in a corner of a skatepark and you can jump from ramp to ramp at an angle

Sketchy - sloppy landing, you almost fell but didn't

Speed Wobbles - you are moving so fast the board becomes hard to control and starts shaking.

Wheel bite - when your wheel scrapes against your board, usually when turning or landing.

Switch - you are standing the opposite direction that you are usually comfortable with. If you normally ride a skateboard with your left foot in front you ride "normal", if you ride with your right foot in front you ride "goofy". Standing the way that is not natural for you is "switch"

You incorporate this word into trick names. A kick flip while riding switch is simply called a "switch kick flip"

Carve - to ride along ramps without doing any tricks or getting any air. Usually done to build speed or show style.

Steezy/clean/sick/smooth/etc - used to describe a well done trick or somebody's style.

Hammer - a hammer is a trick done down a big drop. If you do a trick off a dangerously high gap, one could say you've dropped a hammer.


Hope these help anyone who's interested. If you have any other questions related to skateboarding I am happy to help