A glossary for beginners and pros - or simply for playing bingo.

Have you ever looked around at the trailhead and unintentionally overheard a conversation between mountain bikers, without understanding what was actually going on? Don't worry, you're not alone! The mountain biking scene has its very own language, which can seem like a secret code to outsiders. Here's our guide to deciphering mountain bike lingo and expressing yourself confidently on your next ride or visit to the bike shop.

For those who are already bored: just play bingo with the words.

Bail: Quickly dismounting your bike to avoid a crash. It's not pretty, but sometimes it's necessary.

Berm: A beautifully sculpted corner that makes you feel like you're flying around it on rails.

Bike Park: A playground for mountain bikers with all sorts of obstacles and descents that you can tackle multiple times thanks to a lift or shuttle.

Bonk: (Verb) The feeling when you run out of energy in the middle of the trail. (Noun) A cool technique where you tap only your front wheel on an obstacle.

Bunny Hop: The art of lifting the front wheel and then letting the rear wheel follow. Perfect for jumping over obstacles or simply trying a new technique.

Case: When you come up short on a jump or drop and land your bike on the obstacle. Often a recipe for a hard impact.

Clean: Perfectly clearing an obstacle without putting a foot down or falling off the bike.

Clear: The smooth landing attempt on a jump or drop, where everything aligns perfectly.

Clipless: Pedals where you attach your shoes with a special mechanism – "clipped in" means you no longer rely on traditional strap pedals.

Cross Country (XC): Mountain biking with a focus on distance and endurance, not necessarily technical difficulties.

Dab: Quickly putting a foot down to prevent a fall. A bit like a balancing act on the edge of a knife.

Double: A jump with two mounds – a take-off and a landing point. If you don't land cleanly here, it can be painful.

Downhill (DH): The form of mountain biking that is almost entirely downhill – pure gravity action.

Drop: A feature where you launch your bike from a height. Be ready for the ultimate thrill on the take-off and the precise landing.

Dropper: The adjustable seat post that allows you to quickly lower the saddle at the touch of a button – perfect for challenging trails.

E-MTB: Electric mountain bikes that give you an extra boost to conquer even the steepest climbs.

Endo: A trick where you lift the rear wheel by shifting your weight and braking. Ideal for tight turns or referred to as a stoppie when done on flat ground.

Enduro: A race or trail where most sections are downhill and the way back to the next stage is not timed. The ultimate challenge for true riders.

Flats: Pedals without a clip-in system, where the rubber soles of your mountain bike shoes provide better grip.

Flow: A state where you and your bike act as one unit, especially on smooth trails with many turns and undulations.

Gnarly: A description for particularly difficult or challenging trails where the fall is especially hard.

Grom: A young and often very talented mountain biker who is already riding with impressive technique.

Hero Dirt: The perfect trail condition after a rain, providing maximum grip and riding fun.

Landing: The ideal point where you should land on a jump or drop.

Lip: The edge of a drop or jump that helps you get airborne.

Loam: Loose, fluffy soil that provides excellent traction for your bike – also known as hero dirt.

Manual: The technique of lifting the front wheel and balancing without pedaling.

Off-Camber: A sloped trail where the outer edge is lower than the inner – a real challenge for your balance.

OTB (Over the Bars): A crash where you fly over the handlebars because the front wheel abruptly stops.

Pump: The ability to gain speed through targeted movements over the trail, without pedaling.

Rock Garden: A section of the trail strewn with many rocks – technical skill is required here.

Roller: A hump on the trail that you can pump or jump over.

Sag: The part of your suspension that is compressed by your weight – important for proper setup.

Shred: To ride at a high level, with a lot of skill and style. A true "shredder" knows how to do it right.

Shuttle: A means of transport or a way to get to the start of a downhill trail without having to ride up yourself.

Skinny: A narrow, often wooden, trail section that requires technical skill.

Stomp: The precise landing of a jump or drop – as if you were "smashing" the ground with your bike.

Squirrely: When your bike's handling is uncertain or wobbly – also known as "sketchy."

Suspension: Your bike's suspension system – whether it's only in the front or also in the rear.

Switchback: A very tight turn, often 180 degrees – master these with bravura to maintain trail power.

Tabletop: A jump with a flat surface that allows for a smooth landing.

Trackstand: Balancing on the bike without moving forwards or backwards.

Wheelie: Lifting the front wheel to ride a short distance on only the rear wheel.