Airsoft is full of abbreviations, gamer slang, and tactical jargon — and as a new player, it can feel like everyone’s speaking another language. This guide breaks down the most common airsoft terms, acronyms, and phrases you’ll hear on the field, so you can play confidently (and not get roasted in the safe zone).
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Airsoft has a ton of slang, abbreviations, and acronyms that can be confusing for beginners.
- Learning the lingo helps you communicate better during games and avoid dangerous misunderstandings.
- Terms like AEG, GBB, FPS, MED, and dead rag are basic must-knows before your first match.
- Most of the terminology comes from military, video game, and paintball culture — but not all of it makes sense until you play.
- Knowing the difference between gun types, gear, and safety rules can save you money, pain, and embarrassment.
- This glossary breaks down common airsoft terms in plain English, with real examples so you’re not left guessing.
🤦♂️ Why Airsoft Has So Many Weird Terms
Airsoft borrows language from the military, paintball, video games, and its own culture. These terms act as shorthand — they’re faster and more efficient to use in-game. But yeah, some of them are just weird. This guide translates them into plain English.
🔹 Basic Game Terms Every New Player Should Know
Hit – You’ve been shot. Say “HIT!”, raise your hand, and walk off.
Respawn – Where you rejoin the game after being eliminated.
Dead Rag – A red cloth you wear when you’re hit so people stop shooting at you.
Medic – A teammate who can revive you in certain game modes.
Ricochet – A BB that bounces before hitting you; usually doesn’t count.
Blind Fire – Shooting without looking. Dangerous and almost always banned.
Bang Bang Rule – Simulated close-range kill by saying “bang!” instead of shooting.
Friendly Fire – Getting shot by your own team. It happens.
Game Mode – The objective of the round: TDM, Capture the Flag, etc.
🔫 Airsoft Gun Types and Acronyms Explained
AEG – Automatic Electric Gun. Battery-powered. Most common beginner gun.
GBB – Gas Blowback. Uses gas. More realistic but more maintenance.
HPA – High Pressure Air. Advanced, expensive, customizable.
DMR – Designated Marksman Rifle. Semi-auto, longer range.
AEP – Automatic Electric Pistol. Electric pistol variant. Low FPS.
SMG/LMG/Sniper – Submachine gun, light machine gun, or long-range bolt action.
CQB – Close Quarters Battle. Short-range fighting, compact guns, lower FPS.
🏋️ Gear & Loadout Terminology
Plate Carrier – Tactical vest with MOLLE webbing to hold mags and gear.
Chest Rig – Lightweight alternative to a plate carrier.
Dump Pouch – For storing empty mags during play.
MOLLE – Modular system to attach gear to vests and bags.
Sling – Strap for carrying your rifle hands-free.
Hydration Pack – Backpack bladder for water. Essential for long games.
Battle Belt – Waist belt with pouches for mags, holsters, tools.
Eye/Face Protection – Required gear. Goggles, mesh mask, or full-face shield.
💼 Field & Rule Terms
FPS – Feet Per Second. Measures BB speed.
Chrono – Chronograph. Device used to test FPS.
MED – Minimum Engagement Distance. Don’t shoot inside this range.
Blind Fire – Shooting without seeing. Always banned.
Bang Bang Rule – Say “bang” instead of shooting at very close range.
Call Your Hits – Admit when you’ve been shot. Always.
Marshal – Game ref. Enforces safety and rules.
👥 Player Roles and Team Lingo
Rifleman – Standard player role. Most flexible.
Sniper – Long range, bolt-action. Not beginner-friendly.
Support Gunner – Carries LMG for suppressive fire.
DMR – Long-range semi-auto with higher FPS.
CQB Specialist – Close-range player with compact gun.
Commander – Coordinates team strategy.
Medic – Revives teammates in specific game modes.
Scout/Flanker – Sneaky, fast, hits from the sides.
🤣 Funny or Outdated Airsoft Phrases You’ll Still Hear
Spray and Pray – Firing without aiming. Happens often.
Lit Up – Taking a bunch of hits in a row.
Plastic Death – Nickname for high-BB output loadouts.
Tacticool – Someone focused more on looking cool than playing smart.
Yeeted – Getting eliminated dramatically.
Cheater Called – Someone accuses another of not calling their hits.
“That Guy” – The one breaking rules or being a jerk. Don’t be That Guy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does AEG mean in airsoft?
AEG stands for Automatic Electric Gun. It’s the most common type of airsoft gun and runs on a rechargeable battery.
What is the difference between GBB and AEG?
GBBs use gas and have recoil. AEGs use batteries and are easier for beginners to maintain.
What does FPS mean in airsoft?
FPS = Feet Per Second. It measures how fast your BBs are traveling. Higher FPS = harder hit (and stricter rules).
What’s a dead rag in airsoft?
A red cloth that shows you’ve been hit. You wear it while walking off the field to avoid getting shot again.
What does MOLLE mean?
It’s a modular system that lets you attach pouches and gear to vests and packs using loops and straps.
What does “chrono” mean?
It refers to testing your gun’s FPS using a chronograph device before games.
What’s the difference between a chest rig and a plate carrier?
Chest rigs are lighter and more breathable. Plate carriers offer more protection and pouch space but are heavier.
What does CQB stand for?
Close Quarters Battle. Short-range combat, often indoors. Requires compact gear and lower FPS guns.
📘 Want the full overview of how airsoft works?
Check out the Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Airsoft.