Airsoft Terminology Glossary

Here's a New Player-Friendly Airsoft Terminology Glossary designed to help you get up to speed with common airsoft lingo:

Gameplay & Roles

Airsoft Soldier with a Notepad
  • AAR (After Action Report) – A debrief or review of a game or scenario after it ends.
  • AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) – A common type of airsoft gun powered by a rechargeable battery.
  • CQB/CQC (Close Quarters Battle/Combat) – Indoor or tight space combat, usually with shorter engagement distances.
  • DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) – A semi-automatic rifle tuned for medium to long range accuracy.
  • Sniper – A player using a high-powered, long-range bolt-action or semi-auto rifle.
  • Medic – A player role that can revive teammates depending on game rules.
  • MilSim (Military Simulation) – A realism-focused game that imitates military tactics, roles, and scenarios.

Gear & Equipment

  • Hop-Up – A system that adds backspin to BBs to increase range and accuracy.
  • GBB (Gas Blowback) – Gas-powered guns that simulate recoil.
  • CO2 – Compressed gas used to power some airsoft guns, usually in 12g cartridges.
  • White/Green/Red/Black Gas – A common propane-based propellant with added silicone oil for lubrication.
  • LiPo (Lithium Polymer Battery) – A powerful and lightweight battery used in AEGs.
  • Hi-Cap (High Capacity Magazine) – A mag that holds many BBs, usually with a winding wheel or pull cord. Usually 250 bbs or more
  • Mid-Cap/Low-Cap – Mags with realistic capacities that don’t require winding. Usually 250 bbs or less
  • Tracer Unit – A barrel or muzzle device that makes glow-in-the-dark BBs visible, often used for night games. Tracer BBs are required.

Safety & Rules

  • FPS (Feet Per Second) – A measurement of BB velocity; higher FPS = more powerful gun.
  • Joules – Energy of the BB when fired, often used for more accurate power limits.
  • Chrono (Chronograph) – A device used to measure a gun's FPS/Joule to ensure it's within limits.
  • Eye Pro – Eye protection, mandatory on all fields.
  • Full Seal Goggles – Goggles that completely seal around the eyes, preventing BBs from entering.
  • Bang Rule – A safety rule where you verbally eliminate a player within a short distance instead of firing.

Tactics & Communication

  • Fireteam – A small unit of players working together.
  • Bounding – Alternating movement and covering fire between teammates.
  • Flanking – Moving around the side of an enemy to attack from a less defended position.
  • Suppressing Fire – Continuous fire to keep the enemy from moving or returning fire.
  • Call Your Hits – A rule/reminder to acknowledge when you're hit and exit the game honestly.

Game Types

  • Team Deathmatch (TDM) – Standard elimination-based game.
  • Capture the Flag (CTF) – Teams try to capture the enemy flag and return it to base.
  • King of the Hill – Control a location for the longest amount of time.
  • Domination – Hold multiple points on the field to score.
  • VIP Escort – Protect or eliminate a designated player.

Technical Terms

  • MOSFET – An electronic unit in AEGs that improves trigger response and protects wiring.
  • Shimming – Adjusting gearbox gears for smooth operation.
  • AOE (Angle of Engagement) – Proper alignment between the piston and sector gear for durability.
  • TDC (Top Dead Center Hop-Up Mod) – A hop-up mod for improved consistency.
  • RPS (Rounds Per Second) – Rate of fire measurement for AEGs.