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Slingshot Glossary and Slang

77K views 140 replies 90 participants last post by  Rallan 
#1 · (Edited)
Here's a glossary of common terms used in the slingshot sport. There are some slang words too. I think this may help some of the newcomers figure out what we are talking about. Every sport has them and Slingshooting is no different. I know I missed a few so let me know and we'll add them in. Here's a few:

When shooting a Slingshot, you are a Right Hander when you hold your slingshot in your left hand

you are a left Hander when you hold your slingshot in your right hand

  • Catapult, Catty,Cutty,Gutty, Beanflip, Shanghai, Resorta, Flip, Ging, Tirachina, Schlueder, Fionda, Gomero-a few names for slingshots
  • Prongs, forks, branches = the two structures that form the "V"
  • Throat, crotch, yoke = the opening between the "V"
  • Frame = the body of the slingshot
  • A Build= The creating of a slingshot
  • Anchor point = The spot usually around the cheek or corner of the mouth where the pouch lands when it's pulled back.
  • Draw = the distance bands are pulled back to the anchor point
  • Lam or Laminate frame = Slingshot carved from a multilayered board
  • Traditional fork = any slingshot without a brace
  • PFS or Pickle Fork Shooter = a very shallow throated,small,thin slingshot
  • Tree Fork = a slingshot made from a "V" formed tree branch-Also called a natural fork
  • SB'S- Steel Balls- Slingshot ammo of choice
  • BB's Small Round Ammo used for BB Guns and also as a load in a pouch
  • "A Load" Shooting more then one pellet in a pouch
  • 107's- Pale crepe Rubber bands made by Alliance. Dimensions 5/8" x 7". Decent flatbands already cut. 107 is the size designation.
  • Tubes = tubular rubber
  • 1745-2040-3060- These are popular thin tube numerical designations.Different numbers correspond to different diameters. These are Dankung numbers. Good tubes!
  • Chinese tubes = thin tubes
  • Looped Chinese Tubes- no prong connection on this set-up.Tubes are one piece looped through a fork hole-then the ends are connected normally to pouch.Tubes can be added for more power and speed-just make bigger or more pouch holes for the ends
  • Flats, flatbands, straps = flat cut rubber
  • Cubes = quadrangular-square rubber
  • Chains,Ganged Bands= School or office type bands chained or looped all together and attached to the pouch. Very Powerful set-up.
  • Gauge = the thickness of flat rubber, the thickness of tube walls
  • Straight set = A straight cut band assembly
  • Taper-Tapered bands or tapered tubes = Rubber cut with a wide end for the post and a narrow end for the pouch.Gives more speed then a straight cu
  • Gauge Taper = On sheet rubber sometimes the sheet is thicker on one end then the other.
  • Double Taper = On some flat rubber the rubber sheet itself is tapered(Gauge Taper). One end is thicker then the other. If bands are cut properly from this type sheet, you can get a double taper-thickness of the rubber plus the width. Thin and narrow end at pouch, thick and wide end at forks. A very fast high performing set of bands possible with this cut
  • Psuedo Taper= A tapering method used with tubes and flats where two different size tubes or flatbands are tied ( I.E.-soft cotton string-elasticized cotton covered braiding) together keeping the larger band or tube up at the prong and the smaller tube or flat at the back ( pouch connection ) an alternative way of making a tapered set-up without cutting.
  • Cocktails= Like Psuedo tapers but with flatbands.
  • Board cut = a slingshot cut from a board- note: can also be used to denote a slingshot cut from any other material not only wood-I.E ,Plastic slab-metal slab-fibreglass etc.
  • Cuffing = Tying method whrere small tubing instead of string or wound rubber attaches pouch to rubber.The small tubing is stretched open and goes over the band to pouch connection then unstretched making for a nice clean attachment. Note: always test attacments to pouch and to prongs before actually shooting
  • FlatNat = a natural tree fork planed down to a uniform thickness like a board cut slingshot
  • Bareback = using no slingshot at all to shoot. Holding the bands and pouch and drawing back and releasing using only the hand as the fork.
  • Beavertail = a flattened protrusion extending out from the handle covering the web of your hand (space between thumb and index finger ) used mostly on Hammer (Pistol grip)designs.Lessens wrist strain and adds protection from errant shots.
  • Ergo = a board cut slingshot shaped to fit the hand
  • Slingbow= A regular slingshot customized to shoot arrows
  • Flechette= small dart type projectiles used with a slings bow
  • Whiskerbiscuit= a small round brushlike device to center/hold an arrow in the throat of a sling bow. Also helps keeping the feathers or fins of the arrow from getting damaged
  • Cant= the angle that the slingshot is held at. 45 degree, 90 degree, etc.
  • Finger braced = a gripping method where you brace the index finger and the thumb up against the forks for more support
  • Pistol grip = a grip where you don't brace the fingers up against the forks
  • Hammer Grip = same as Pistol Grip
  • Gangsta Style = Horizontal frame hold, Parallel to ground
  • Over the top ( OTT ) = a band set-up that allows the bands to fly over the top of the forks
  • "Gap Shooting"= using the tip of the upper fork on a Gangsta style frame as a starting point for longer shots using the forks as sights (aiming down the forks there by increasing the distance of the shot. You can also just increase Draw length or use stronger bands to achieve more distance.
  • Knuckle Knock = sometimes the pouch on an over the top set-up comes back and slaps you in the knuckles
  • Through the throat (TTT), through the fork TTF = a band set-up that allows the bands to go through the "V' opening or throat
  • Speed Bump Effect= When the pouch is jerked by too hard of a grip or too much pressure on the pouch on one side upon release. Causing the ammo to jump like a car going over a speed bump. Many a fork hit is caused by this action. Also when holding the pouch horizontally with the thumb held pushing up rather then straight-creates a bump for the ball to go over.(thumb being the bump) Some people say twisting the pouch this way reduces fork hits especially shooting PFS style.
  • Chrony = a device that's used to measure speed(usually in Feet per second)
  • Speed Shooting = loading and shooting as fast as you can put ammo on target. Term also used for shooting for high speeds over a Chrony
  • Snap Shooting = a super fast draw and release popular with hunters(for obvious reasons) and also shooting for high speeds over a Chrony
  • Hysterisis = A condition that happens with rubber when it's stretched and held for too long causing a loss in velocity
  • F.P.S. = a velocity designation, Feet Per Second
  • Starship = slang term for a wrist-braced extended fork slingshot
  • Shuttle Craft= Any smaller standard wrist braced slingshot
  • Dry shot = shooting a pouch empty (DO NOT DO!!!)
  • RTS= Return To Sender shot. Sometimes on high speed set-ups,after the shot is released it may not release clean and come back at you-NOT FUNNY!
  • Chinese Handcuff = a method for putting tubes on the forks(round metal) where the tips are moistened and the tubes are slipped on. When dry,the action of pulling back the sling tightens the tube-prong connection so they won't come off
  • Pre-stressing = stretching the rubber before tying on to a pouch or a post. Reduces pouch curl on a pouch connection and makes a more secure attachment at the posts for a non-"Chinese" attachment
  • African Wrap = a method of attaching rubber to the posts where the rubber is run down the front of the posts to the base of the prongs. Leather strips or strong cord is wrapped all the way around and up until it reaches the tops of the posts. A very secure way but a long band is needed
  • Mummy wrap= another name for an African wrap or a wrap where a lot of material is used to secure the bands
  • Spanish or Spain Attachment = A method of attaching rubbers to the forks where by holes are drilled down into the posts,then small leather strips or strong nylon cords(both ends) are pressed down into the hole forming a small loop. Toothpicks or other wedging material is forced into the hole with the addition of a strong wood glue. The rubbers are attached to the loop when the glue is dry. Make sure the loop is securely anchored before shooting.
  • Gypsy Tabs = Leather or other suitable material attached to the prongs which bands are attached to. Makes them last longer-popular in some European countries.
  • Cupped pouch or dimpled pouch = a pouch that has a cup in the center for ammo placement
  • Double cupped pouch = a pouch that has a cup on each side of the pouch for ammo placement (also good for loads)
  • Pouch slap, band slap = the assembly slaps or hits the post when going through the throat.It also rubs a little on an over the top set-up but not as much.
  • Center punched = a hole right in the middle of the pouch for ammo placement
  • 3 hole pouch = like a center punched pouch but the center hole is the same size as the band holes. It is a self centering type pouch
  • Ventilated pouch = a series of holes(5-10) punched in a pouch to reduce air drag and lessen weight
  • Wings = The ends of a flat strap assembly that come through the pouch hole after tying. Also same thing with a tube set tied in this fashion
  • Trough= when folding the band over itself and running it through the pouch hole-the resulting valley created by the fold in the band is this
  • Hole in Tube, Hole in Strap = the pouch connection on a tube assembly where a small hole is made close to the end of the tube.The tube is then feed through the pouch hole and into the tube hole making the attachment.Probably the most popular method of tube to pouch connection. Also was done in the past on flat strap assemblies (not as good on flats)
  • Flier = a wild shot, not going where intended
  • Group or grouping = a specified number of shots at a specific distance(shots are measured to see how close they are
  • A slotted attachment or Matchstick method = A thin cut is made in the top of the post. The end of the rubber is folded over about 1 inch and stretched to fit in the slot.The addition of a matchstick in the loop or a rubber piece aids in securing it
  • Double slotted attachment = two thin cuts are made in the top of the post. Rubber is stretched to fit into the slot nearest the throat first,then stretched around to fit in the outer slot. The rubber is then pulled tight to seat up against the fork. A popular method used on older wooden slingshots(Wham-o, Lohman, Bullseye Etc.)
  • Catch box = a cardboard box or other material with an opening in the front and rags, old t-shirts, or towels hanging behind the opening to catch ammo shot at a hanging target in the front of the box
  • A Shoot = A slingshot Tournament or a gathering of slingshot shooters
  • Butterfly Draw, Albatross style, or Flippers Draw = A drawing style. It is popular in the Czech Republic and also used by old timers down in the south U.S.A. The pouch is drawn up from the waist and at the same time the the frame holding hand is pushed out as far as possible, the pouch is drawn back well behind the normal anchor point. Aim is by feel and a lot of practice.A very difficult style but great speeds are possible because of the extra long draw
  • "Superfly" Shooting a Starship in combination with a full "Butterfly" draw. Very High speeds can be had with this method Be careful!
  • Rotating Prongs = a movable or rotating attachment at posts,especially helpful with tubes.Helps them last longer and gives more speed
  • Palm Knob, Heel Knob, Palm Swell = a swell at the bottom of the handle of some slingshots (can also be a swell in the middle too). Aids in gripping and in security
  • "Missed by that much" = An exclamation used by all slingshooters!
  • Plinking = shooting a slingshot at cans,bottlecaps,acorns,leaves etc. Shooting of random targets
  • Can Chasing = game for slingshooters where an empty can is thrown on the ground and each shooter takes a shot at it. As the can is hit it goes further and further away. the winner is the one who hits it last at the furthest distance.
  • Slingshooter = a person who shoots a Slingshot
  • Slingshooting = the act of shooting a Slingshot

There are more terms but it's supper time for me!!!! Flatband:D
 
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#7 ·
i nominate HRAWKS phrase of " slingshot porn " to be considered for entry into the glossary/slang listings.
 
#19 ·
One of the terms that is confusing is BB. It can be ball bearing or .177 cal steel shot. I wondered if the termonology should be SBB for steel ball bearings and BB to mean .177 cal shot.
 
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#20 ·
I agree. I always had a problem with that too. To me BB's were what were used in Daisy and other BB guns. Steel Balls is a more descriptive term and better I think. BB's for BB guns,SB's for slingshots-how's that sound? Flatband
 
#21 ·
Sounds great to me but do you think that the rest of the forum will go for it? Maybe eventually it will be common terms for all US forums.
 
#25 ·
This is terrific, thank you so much for putting this together.

As a VERY new shooter, and user of this forum, you have really helped me to get more out of what I am reading.

I wonder if you could add a definition for "heavy" bands. I am not sure if that refers to the strength, the power, how hard they are to pull, or something else.

Thanks again,
K1ng
 
#26 · (Edited by Moderator)
Recently there seems to have been some confusion on the part of some folks about the meaning of the terms "Over The Top" or OTT, "Through The Forks" or TTF, and "Outside The Forks" or OTF. Flatband did not actually mention OTF. However, he very clearly characterised OTT and TTF as refering to the path of the BANDS on a slingshot. Used in this way, the terminology tells us something very definite and objective about the construction of the slingshot; so this useage should be preserved. As an aid, I have taken a couple of illustrative photos. In these photos I have used Gypsy tabs, but only because it made it easy to make quick changes of orientation for the purposes of the photos.

First, here is a photo of an OTT arrangement:



And here is a photo of a TTF arrangement:



As is readily seen in this photo, this arrangement is appropriate only for forks with wide separation, or else the bands will foul the shot. I would never use it on the frame in the photo, and show it here only as an illustration.

Another phrase often used is "Outside The Forks", or OTF. Again, using this phrase to refer to the arrangement of the bands, here is a photo to illustrate:



There is another arrangement that seems not to have a firm phraseology. For some slingshots, the bands are attached to the same side of the forks as the direction of pull. I propose to use the phrase "Bands Same Side", or BSS for this arrangement. Here is an illustrative photo:



Now, I certainly cannot dictate linguistic useage for everyone. But failure to maintain consistency of meaning will only result in confusion and inhibit communication. You could use the term "steer" to refer to the beast that most folks call a "cow". But if you do so, and tell your friends you were out milking your steer, you will get some mighty strange looks, if not worse!!!

Cheers ....... Charles
 
#34 ·
i have tried BSS before it seems to give less resistance to the retention bands seeming more likely to slip out from under the tie downs, i can see the tabs working, but this is a good thread because you described what i thought to be true, and many times the terms get used improperly and being new its a matter of sorting things out, thanks again oh sage one!
 
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