Rev up your engines and hit the open road with confidence as we break down some of the most commonly used biker slang terms.
From “ape hangers” to “rat bike,” understanding the language of bikers can enhance your riding experience and help you connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, this guide will have you speaking the language of the motorcycle community in no time.
What is Biker Slang?
Biker slang refers to the unique vocabulary and language used within the motorcycle community. It includes terms, phrases, and expressions that are commonly used by bikers to communicate with each other and to describe various aspects of motorcycle culture. Biker slang can vary between different motorcycle clubs and regions, but there are some common terms that are widely recognized within the biker community.
Some examples of biker slang include terms like “old lady” (referring to a biker’s girlfriend or wife), “clubhouse” (the meeting place for a motorcycle club), “ape hangers” (handlebars that are raised high above the rider), and “crotch rocket” (a high-performance sport bike).
Understanding biker slang can help newcomers to the motorcycle world feel more integrated and connected to the biker community. It can also add an element of camaraderie and shared identity among bikers who use these specialized terms as part of their everyday language.
Origins of Biker Slang
Biker slang has a rich history dating back to the early days of motorcycle culture in the United States. The origins of biker slang can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s, when motorcycle clubs like the Hells Angels and the Outlaws began to emerge.
Many of the terms used by bikers today originated from the need for quick, discreet communication between club members and the desire to establish a sense of camaraderie and exclusivity within the biker community. For example, terms like “chopper,” “hog,” and “rat bike” have become synonymous with motorcycles, each with its own unique history and connotations.
Over the years, biker slang has evolved and adapted to reflect the changing landscape of motorcycle culture. Today, biker slang continues to be a vibrant and integral part of the biker identity, serving as a form of expression, communication, and solidarity among riders around the world.
Common Biker Slang Terms
1. Hog
Refers to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, especially larger models known for their powerful engines and iconic brand.
2. Cager
A term used to describe a car or truck driver, often used by bikers to express frustration or disdain for drivers who are not attentive to motorcycles on the road.
- 3. Two-Wheeler
- 4. Lane Splitting
- 5. Squid
- 6. Chrome Cowgirl
2. A rider who wears flashy or excessive amounts of chrome and other decorations on their motorcycle.
Riding Gear Slang
1. Lid: Helmet
2. Skid Lid: Helmet
3. Brain Bucket: Helmet
4. Brain Cage: Helmet
5. Bean Bowl: Helmet
6. Road Rash Suit: Protective riding suit
7. Steel Toes: Motorcycle boots with steel toes
8. Kevlar Biker Jeans: Jeans reinforced with Kevlar for protection
9. Kevlar Sleeves: Arm sleeves made of Kevlar for added protection
10. Shields: Riding glasses or goggles
Motorcycle Parts Slang
When it comes to talking shop about motorcycles, understanding the slang lingo for different parts can help you communicate with other bikers more effectively. Here are some common motorcycle parts slang terms you might come across:
1. Hog
Meaning: This slang term refers to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which is often associated with the sound that pigs make.
2. Pipes
Meaning: “Pipes” is a shorthand term for a motorcycle’s exhaust system, as it refers to the exhaust pipes that carry gases away from the engine.
Group Riding Slang
The Paceline:
A formation where riders line up in a single file to reduce wind resistance and conserve energy.
| Slang Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Drafting | Following closely behind another rider to reduce wind resistance. |
| Lead-out | A rider who sets a fast pace at the front of the group to tire out competitors. |
| Double pace line | Two lines of riders riding side by side to share the work of breaking wind resistance. |
Maintenance and Repair Slang
1. Grease monkey – A mechanic who specializes in working on motorcycles.
2. Wrenching – Performing maintenance or repairs on a bike.
3. Skinned knuckles – A term used to describe the injuries that can happen while working on a motorcycle.
4. Ghost shifting – When a bike shifts gears on its own without the rider inputting a change.
5. Top dead center (TDC) – The position of a piston at the very top of its stroke.
6. Jetting – Adjusting the fuel-to-air ratio in a carburetor to optimize performance.
7. Skeletonized – Stripping a bike down to its frame for maintenance or repairs.
Biker Lifestyle Slang
1. Old Lady – Term for a biker’s significant other or girlfriend.
2. Full Patch – Refers to a biker who has earned all the patches of a motorcycle club.
3. Road Captain – The biker responsible for leading a group ride and ensuring everyone stays together.
4. Cage – Slang for a car or automobile, which bikers may use when they can’t ride their motorcycles.
5. Hardtail – A motorcycle with a rigid frame and no rear suspension.
6. Cut – A vest worn by bikers, often adorned with patches to show club affiliation.
Safety and Law Slang
Below are some common safety and law slang terms used by bikers:
| ATGATT | All The Gear All The Time – meaning always wear proper safety gear while riding |
| ABS | Anti-lock Braking System – a safety feature on motorcycles to prevent wheel lock-up during braking |
| MSF | Motorcycle Safety Foundation – an organization that offers rider training courses |
| Squid | A rider who lacks proper safety gear, usually wearing just a t-shirt and shorts |
| One-percenter | A biker who operates outside the law or traditional motorcycle clubs |
| Loud pipes save lives | A phrase meant to justify loud exhaust pipes as a safety measure to increase motorcycle visibility |
How to Use Biker Slang Appropriately
When using biker slang, it is important to understand the context and audience you are speaking to. Make sure you are familiar with the meaning of the slang terms you are using before incorporating them into your speech.
Use biker slang sparingly and appropriately. Using too much slang can come across as forced or insincere. Instead, sprinkle in a few terms here and there to add authenticity to your communication.
Be aware of the tone and appropriateness of the situation. Some biker slang can be more casual or informal, so make sure it fits the context of your conversation. Avoid using slang that could be considered offensive or derogatory.
Practice using biker slang in a natural way. The more you incorporate it into your speech, the more comfortable you will become with using it appropriately. Remember, biker slang is a language of camaraderie and respect among bikers, so use it with the same spirit.