Whether you’re a newer fan of LEGO products or someone with a vast collection, you might not know that there is LEGO specific language used among the biggest LEGO fans. At times, it can actually feel like they’re speaking a completely different language. It’s a good thing we at Bricks & Minifigs®, one of the largest authorized LEGO resellers, know just how to translate for you.
Language of LEGO Fans
Like many industries and fandoms, LEGO products have their own specific vocabulary. These include the official language from The LEGO Group, such as the names of each type of brick, and the unofficial words and acronyms used by fans and collectors.
At Bricks & Minifigs® we hear these words all the time as a store for LEGO fans of all ages, so we know how it sounds to someone who’s just starting their brick journey. To help you out, we’ve created a comprehensive list of terms that anyone entering the LEGO world might hear.
LEGO Terms A-Z
We’ve assembled a list of popular LEGO terms to build your knowledge one stud at a time.
AFOL
AFOL is an acronym for “Adult Fan of LEGO”. An adult who likes to build with LEGO elements or collect LEGO sets or minifigs.
Baseplate
A baseplate is a large surface area with studs that you can build on. Comes in different sizes and colors, just like bricks.
Brick
The brick is the standard LEGO unit, a plastic piece 3 “plates” high with studs on top. Can be many different lengths and widths.
Bulk
Bulk refers to a large quantity of randomly assorted LEGO bricks and elements. Bricks & Minifigs stores are famous for having large bulk tables and bins that customers can dig through to find some unique pieces.
BURP
The acronym BURP stands for “Big Ugly Rock Piece”. It means exactly what it sounds like, a large LEGO piece that looks like a rock. There are also LURPs (Little Ugly Rock Piece).
Dark Ages
We’re not talking about the early Middle Ages. In the LEGO world, Dark Ages means the time period between when a person stopped playing with LEGO bricks as a child and when they started building with LEGO bricks again as an adult.
Greebling
The term greebling refers to a LEGO building technique where a builder uses smaller LEGO elements to decorate or add detail to their build.
Jumper
A jumper, also called a jumper plate, is a 1X2 plate that only has one stud in the middle.
KFOL
KFOL is an acronym for “Kid Fan of LEGO”. Just like AFOL but for kids.
LUG
“LEGO User Group”. A LUG refers to local or regional clubs made up of LEGO fans who meet in person or have an online presence.
Minifig
When talking about the minifig, we’re talking about the classic LEGO figures made of interchangeable parts, usually head, torso, legs, and accessories.
MOC
A MOC is a personally designed LEGO creation and an acronym for “My Own Creation”. Usually refers to a LEGO creation designed and built by a fan without the use of official instructions.
Plate
A plate is another standard LEGO piece, ⅓ the height of a standard brick with studs still on top.
SNOT
In the running for the oddest acronym, SNOT stands for “Studs Not On Top”. These are bricks with studs on alternate angles that allow pieces to be placed on their side or upside down.
Stud
A stud means a singular bump on the top of a LEGO element that lets it interlock with other pieces.
Tile
A tile is another standard piece that is the size of a plate usually with no studs on the top, giving a smooth appearance.
Now Get Building!
Hopefully this little dictionary has helped you get a deeper grasp on the LEGO community and added a few new bricks to your vocabulary! Whether you’re crafting your next epic MOC or joining a local LUG to share your love for all things LEGO, remember: it’s all about creativity, fun, and those tiny, wonderful studs.
And there’s no place more creative than Bricks & Minifigs, so come visit one of our stores to dive even further into the LEGO community.