If you’ve ever watched a hockey game or joined a hockey chat online, you’ve probably come across some terms that made you pause. Words like “dangle,” “chirp,” or “saucer pass” might leave you scratching your head.
That’s because hockey, like any sport, has its own slang language, and understanding it makes the game way more fun.
Whether you’re texting friends, posting on forums, or chatting on Discord about your favorite team, knowing hockey slang helps you fit in, sound like a fan, and avoid awkward misunderstandings.
This guide is updated for 2026 and covers everything from common terms to subtle nuances, with real examples and explanations for beginners.
What Is Hockey Slang?
Hockey slang refers to the informal words and phrases used by players, fans, and commentators to describe actions, skills, or situations in the game. Unlike official rules or playbooks, slang is casual, often humorous, and sometimes confusing to outsiders.
Some slang comes from on-ice actions, while others develop in locker rooms, fan forums, or social media communities. Understanding these words makes watching, talking about, or playing hockey much more enjoyable.
Common Hockey Slang Terms You Need to Know
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular hockey slang used in 2026:
1. Dangle
- Meaning: To skillfully stickhandle past defenders.
- Example: “Watch Crosby dangle through the defense like it’s nothing.”
2. Chirp
- Meaning: To trash talk or tease opponents.
- Example: “He was chirping the other team all game.”
3. Sauce / Saucer Pass
- Meaning: A pass lifted slightly off the ice to get over sticks or obstacles.
- Example: “He hit him with a perfect saucer pass to set up the goal.”
4. Five-Hole
- Meaning: The space between a goalie’s legs.
- Example: “He scored right through the five-hole!”
5. Hat Trick
- Meaning: Scoring three goals in a single game.
- Example: “Ovechkin pulled off a hat trick tonight.”
6. Meat Wagon
- Meaning: The team’s goon or enforcer.
- Example: “Watch out for the meat wagon on the ice, he hits hard.”
7. Biscuit
- Meaning: The puck.
- Example: “Pass me the biscuit!”
8. Board Play
- Meaning: Using the boards to pass, check, or control the puck.
- Example: “He’s great at board play in the corners.”
9. Breakaway
- Meaning: When a player gets a clear path to the goalie.
- Example: “He went on a breakaway and scored with ease.”
10. Grinder
- Meaning: A player known for physical play and hard work rather than skill.
- Example: “The grinder won every battle in the corner.”
How Hockey Slang Is Used Online
Hockey slang isn’t just for the rink—it’s alive in chats, forums, social media, and gaming communities. Here’s how people use it:
Platforms
- Discord & Twitch: Fans discuss live games using terms like “chirp” and “dangle.”
- Reddit & Forums: Detailed analyses include phrases like “five-hole” or “saucer pass.”
- Texting & Social Media: Shorter slang like “hat trick” or “biscuit” is common in group chats or memes.
When It’s Appropriate
- Casual chats with hockey fans: Perfect for jokes, reactions, and live commentary.
- Social media posts about games: Shows you’re in the know.
When to Avoid It
- Professional or formal writing: Don’t sprinkle “meat wagon” in official news articles.
- Talking to non-fans: Could confuse people who don’t follow hockey.
Real Life Examples of Hockey Slang in Chats
Here are some typical chat scenarios:
1:
- Friend 1: “Did you see Ovi tonight?”
- Friend 2: “Yeah! Hat trick, pure dangle.”
- Explanation: They’re saying Ovechkin scored three goals and showed off his stickhandling skills.
2:
- Discord Chat: “Watch the grinder in the corner, he’s about to go meat wagon on him.”
- Explanation: The player is about to make a big physical hit against an opponent.
3:
- Text Message: “Pass the biscuit, I’m open!”
- Explanation: The person is asking for the puck.
4:
- Reddit Comment: “He slipped it five-hole like a pro goalie.”
- Explanation: The player scored between the goalie’s legs.
Common Mistakes & Misunderstandings
Even if you know the slang, mistakes happen. Here’s what to watch for:
- Confusing terms with other sports: “Hat trick” exists in soccer but slightly differs.
- Misusing “chirp”: Not everyone knows it means trash-talking; some think it’s about birds.
- Assuming all fans know every term: Stick to context if unsure.
- Overusing slang in text: Can sound forced or confusing to new friends.
Related Slang & Abbreviations
Some hockey slang overlaps with general sports or chat lingo:
| Slang | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PP | Power Play | Team has more players due to penalty |
| PK | Penalty Kill | Team is short-handed |
| EN | Empty Net | Scoring when goalie pulled |
| G | Goal | Simple shorthand |
| Snipe | Accurate, stylish goal | Popular in esports and fantasy leagues |
| Clapper | Hard shot | Often slapshot from blue line |
These terms can also be linked internally in your hockey or sports blog for SEO benefits.
Why Understanding Hockey Slang Matters
- Better fan conversations: Makes you sound knowledgeable in chats and forums.
- Avoid embarrassment: Misusing terms can confuse or alienate fans.
- Improves gameplay discussions: If you play fantasy hockey or hockey video games, slang is everywhere.
- Cultural insight: Shows how language evolves in sports communities.
Conclusion:
Hockey slang is a fun, lively, and sometimes confusing part of the sport’s culture. Words like dangle, chirp, saucer pass, and five-hole might seem strange at first, but once you understand them, they’ll make watching games, chatting online, and playing hockey more immersive and fun.
Start small: pick a few terms, use them in chats, and see how fans react. Over time, you’ll naturally talk like a pro.
