Understanding Fortnite Lingo: A Beginner’s Guide

Fortnite players often use specific terms and lingo that may be confusing for newcomers to the genre. If you’re feeling stumped or want to avoid any potential embarrassment before jumping into the game, fear not – we’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide to Fortnite lingo and what those terms actually mean.

Fortnite Terms Explained

If you’re playing with a squad, you’re bound to come across these terms that are used interchangeably with other shooting games like Counter-Strike or Call of Duty:

Related: How to perform Fortnite Festival Jam Emotes

BM

BM is short for ‘Bad Manners’ and refers to disrespecting an opponent. In Fortnite, this can include dancing or emoting after defeating them, teabagging, or carrying them around instead of finishing them off.

Broken

‘Broken’ describes a weapon or item that is exceptionally powerful or unfair and may need to be ‘nerfed’ for balance.

Buffed/Nerfed

The Fortnite ecosystem is constantly evolving, and weapons are frequently adjusted for balance. If a gun becomes stronger after a patch, it has been buffed. If it becomes weaker, it’s nerfed.

Camper

A ‘Camper’ is a player who remains stationary in a hidden location, waiting to ambush opponents who pass by.

Bush Camper

This term is more specific to Fortnite, as it refers to players who hide in bushes to gain a tactical advantage.

Choked/Choking

This is where a player makes a mistake in a high-pressure situation.

Clutch

A Clutch move is the opposite of ‘Choking,’ indicating that a player successfully pulled off a difficult task against all odds.

Cracked

In Fortnite, ‘Cracked’ often refers to breaking an opponent’s shields.

Double Pump

This technique involves quickly switching between two Pump Shotguns for rapid succession shots. It has been nerfed and is no longer effective.

Dub

‘Dub’ is synonymous with ‘Win,’ indicating that your team has emerged victorious.

Engage/Disengage

Engaging refers to initiating a fight with another team, while disengaging means retreating from a battle.

Full Send

This term describes recklessly charging at another squad, often when they are at a disadvantage.

Hot Drop

Refers to the busiest and most popular landing area on the Fortnite map.

Knocked/Downed

When an opponent is on their knees after taking a substantial amount of damage.

Lasered/Beamed

Refers to consistently hitting an opponent without missing.

Mats

Short for materials, used in the Battle Royale mode.

Meds/Minis

Refers to healing items and small shield potions.

META

Stands for Most Effective Tools Available, referring to the best weapons and items in the game.

One/One Shot/One Hit

All indicate that an opponent is near death and should be attacked.

OP

Short for Overpowered, usually referring to a weapon that is much stronger than others.

POI

Stands for point of interest, describing each named location on the map.

Ping

Has two meanings – technical description of a button press registration time and marker placement on the map.

Quickscope

Refers to quickly raising the sniper gun and firing.

Rotate

Describes moving to an objective or location in a strategic manner.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the complex world of Fortnite lingo. And if you’re new to Fortnite, don’t forget to check out our guide on how to link your LEGO and Fortnite accounts.