10 Gun Terms We Need in the Dictionary

by
posted on August 30, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gsagi2015_fs.jpg

The crack team of linguists at Oxford University recently rolled out dozens of accepted new “words” in its official online dictionary, including gems like "manspreading" and "wine o’clock." Despite the fact gun terminology is far more precise and widely accepted, there are no firearm-related terms in the list.  

Here’s the list of new words and definitions. You may find some funny until I start using hangry (“n. bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger”) and cupcakery blogs. Because gun lingo is glaringly absent I’m compiling a list to submit to the editors. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comment section—I’d love to e-mail a couple thousand terms for their academic study. And the American Rifleman editors will award nominal prizes for their favorite entries (please keep them family friendly, folks).   

The first few are probably familiar, but the others required some serious research.

tupperware (n., adj.)—polymer-framed handgun, typically associated with Glocks.

pocket warmer (n.)—handgun small enough to fit in a storage space on a gentleman’s trousers.

bottom feeder (n.)—magazine-fed semi-automatic handgun.

noodlemaster (n.)—shooter demonstrably accomplished at limp-wristing a handgun.    

boogerhook (n.)—finger that keeps finding its way to the trigger, at the wrong times.

tactlberry (n.)—annoying guy or gal hanging around the range wearing the latest high-speed gear, doling out advice and never stepping up to the firing line.

fabritoid (n.)—self-propagating, blinking-of-an-eye lie recited by gun-hating politicians and media until people believe it.

gunackery (n.)—retail store with sweet deals on firearms. [Hey, if they can have cupcackery….this is only just desserts]

glogger (n.)—gun blogger [replaces antiquated entry for firearm blogger]

copmeister (n.)—shooter who feels his concealed handgun constantly in public.

 

 

 

Latest

FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19
FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.