FGC Glossary: Slang and Terms Every Newcomer Should Know

Updated On: February 28, 2024 by     Aaron Connolly  

Venturing into the competitive gaming scene can be a bit like trying to make sense of a new dialect, with all its quirky terms and expressions. We completely understand what it’s like to be initially flummoxed by ‘frame data‘ – something as vital to the pros as their very joy pads.

Fear not! We’ve taken the plunge into this verbal maze ourselves, earnestly decoding each term so that we might illuminate the way for our fellow enthusiasts. Our guide is chock-full with clear-cut elucidations designed specifically to shepherd you from a state of bewilderment straight through to becoming an adept in the fighting game community (FGC) banter.

Come on then, let’s demystify the fighters’ jargon together, shall we?.

Key Takeaways

• The FGC Glossary is pivotal for newcomers to grasp the unique vocabulary of competitive gaming, from vital terms like ‘frames’ and ‘DP’ to advanced techniques such as ‘mix-ups’ and ‘footies’.
• Mastering terms like ‘hitstun’, ‘blockstun’, and understanding moves categorised as safe or unsafe can significantly enhance a player’s strategic approach in matches.
• Slang such as ‘mashing’, OTG (Off-The-Ground), and Oki (okizeme) reflects the nuanced culture within the fighting game community, providing insight into various gameplay elements.
• Frame traps, chip damage, buffering, juggling, and cancelling are among the key concepts that influence gameplay decisions; learning these can lead to profound improvements in performance.
• Effective use of air-to-air combat tactics, air blocking proficiency, along with differentiation between low hits and high hits form the fundamental skills required for success in fighting games.

Understanding Fighting Game Terminology

When it comes to understanding fighting game terminology, newcomers need to familiarise themselves with terms such as frames, hitstun, blockstun, DP (Dragon Punch), and throws. These are fundamental concepts that will form the basis of your gameplay knowledge in the FGC community.

Frames

Understanding frames in fighting games is like unlocking the secret language of how moves interact with each other. Frames measure the time it takes for a move to start, how long it’s active, and its recovery once done.

Think of them as the heartbeat of every action you make; they dictate the rhythm of combat. Pros dissect frame data meticulously because knowing if a punch starts in 3 frames or 5 can mean the difference between landing a hit and getting punished.

We use this knowledge to our advantage during matches, making decisions on which moves are safe to use and which ones might leave us vulnerable. It’s all about timing and precision—recognising these tiny slices of time can turn the tide in your favour by allowing you to predict an opponent’s move or find an opening in their defence.

Mastering frame data empowers us to make lightning-fast decisions that keep us one step ahead in any fight.

Hitstun and Blockstun

Moving on from frames, we dive into the concepts of hitstun and blockstun. Hitstun occurs when a player’s character is stuck in a vulnerable state after being successfully struck by an opponent’s attack.

This mechanic is crucial as it allows for follow-up combos or setups. On the other hand, blockstun refers to the period of vulnerability a character experiences when blocking an attack.

Understanding these stuns is vital for players to capitalise on their offensive and defensive strategies, making split-second decisions that can turn the tide of a match.

DP/Dragon Punch

DP, short for Dragon Punch, is a powerful and iconic move found in many fighting games. It’s a high-damage, invincible attack that’s executed by inputting a specific motion on the controller.

When performed correctly, DP can be an effective tool for punishing opponents’ mistakes or getting out of pressure situations. Timing and precision are crucial when using this move as mistiming it can leave you vulnerable to counter-attacks.

The term “DP” and its execution vary from game to game, but mastering this technique is essential for any serious fighting game player. Understanding frame data and hitboxes associated with DP moves will help you use them more effectively during matches.

Throws

Transitioning from understanding DP/Dragon Punch, another crucial element in fighting games is the concept of “throws”. Performable by every character, throws are a unique melee attack that bypasses blocks and guard impacts to deal direct damage to an opponent.

Unlike regular attacks or special moves, throws cannot be blocked or evaded, making them a powerful tool for breaking through defensive strategies. Throws are often used as an effective way to punish opponents who rely excessively on guarding or close-range combat.

In addition to their offensive capabilities, throws can also break through certain combos and pressure tactics employed by opponents. Understanding when and how to use throws can significantly enhance your gameplay strategy and provide an edge in close-quarters combat situations.

Advanced Techniques You Need to Know

Mastering advanced techniques such as mix-ups, neutral jumping, footsies, overheads, burst and sparking are essential for improving your fighting game skills. Dive into these techniques to level up your gameplay!

Mix-ups

Mix-ups occur when a player uses a variety of attacks and movements to confuse their opponent, making it difficult for them to predict the next move. This can involve combining low hits, overheads, throws, and other techniques to keep the opponent guessing.

Mix-ups are essential for applying pressure and opening up defensive opponents. They require precise timing and execution to maximise their effectiveness in gameplay.

Effective mix-ups often lead to players scoring meaningful damage or even winning rounds due to their unpredictability and ability to catch opponents off guard. Incorporating mix-ups into your strategy is crucial for keeping your gameplay unpredictable while maintaining offensive momentum.

Neutral Jumping

Neutral jumping is a defensive technique used in fighting games to avoid low and mid-level attacks. It allows players to maintain a neutral position, making it harder for opponents to predict their next move.

Neutral jumping can also be an effective way to bait out an opponent’s attack and punish them with a counter-attack.

Players often use neutral jumping as part of their footsies game, allowing them to maintain control over the spacing between themselves and their opponent. By executing a quick neutral jump, players can safely assess the situation and react accordingly.

Footsies

Understanding “Footsies” is crucial for mastering fighting games. It involves the careful and strategic positioning of your character to control space, bait out opponents’ attacks, and create opportunities to land hits.

Mastering footsies requires a deep understanding of your character’s range, movement options, and attack speed.

Players must also anticipate their opponent’s moves while maintaining their own offensive and defensive capabilities. By utilising quick movements, feints, and precise spacing, players can gain the upper hand in a match through effective footsies.

Overheads

Overheads are attacks that hit high and must be blocked standing up. They can catch opponents off-guard and lead into damaging combos. Using overheads strategically can break through defensive players who tend to crouch-block, creating opportunities for offense.

It’s important to mix up your attacks with overheads to keep opponents guessing and maintain pressure during battles.

These moves are a valuable tool in a player’s arsenal, especially when combined with low-hitting attacks or throws. Overheads add an element of surprise to your offensive game plan, making them essential for breaking through your opponent’s defense and keeping them on their toes throughout the match.

Burst and Sparking

Having mastered the concept of Overheads, let’s delve into the critical techniques known as Burst and Sparking. Burst is a strategic move that allows players to break out of a combo sequence by sacrificing some meter, while Sparking serves as an activating method for player versus player battles, enhancing speed and power temporarily.

Understanding these terms can significantly impact a gamer’s strategy and gameplay approach in competitive matches.

Incorporating Burst and Sparking into your fighting game repertoire offers a unique opportunity to change the tide of battle when things seem dire. Utilising these advanced techniques wisely can make all the difference between victory or defeat in intense gaming sessions.

Mastering the Basics

Understanding the difference between safe and unsafe moves is crucial for mastering fighting games. Learning about air-to-air interactions, air blocking, and distinguishing between low hits and high hits will also give you an edge in the game.

There’s so much more to learn about mastering the basics of fighting games – keep reading to level up your skills!

Safe vs. Unsafe Moves

Understanding the concept of safe versus unsafe moves is crucial in mastering fighting games. Safe moves are those that leave the player with enough advantage to defend against an opponent’s counter-attack.

On the other hand, unsafe moves can leave a player vulnerable and open to punishment if they are blocked or whiffed. Knowing which moves are safe and which are unsafe allows players to make informed decisions during gameplay, helping them maintain control and avoid unnecessary risks.

Players should pay attention to frame data when determining whether a move is safe or unsafe. By understanding startup frames, active frames, and recovery frames of each move, players can gauge their safety.

Air-to-Air Interactions

In air-to-air interactions, characters engage in combat while airborne, aiming to intercept or counter each other’s aerial movements. These exchanges often involve specific moves designed for anti-air purposes and require quick reflexes and precise timing.

Understanding the dynamics of air-to-air interactions is crucial for maintaining control over the vertical space during a fight, as well as capitalising on opportunities to unleash devastating combos or setups.

It is essential for players to master various techniques such as jump-ins, air-to-air normals, and special moves tailored for intercepting opponents’ aerial approaches. Successful execution of these manoeuvres can lead to advantageous positioning and momentum shifts in a match.

Air-to-air interactions involve dynamic confrontations between airborne characters that demand strategic thinking and adaptability. Players need to utilise their knowledge of hitboxes, hurtboxes, and spacing to effectively outmanoeuvre opponents in mid-air battles.

Air Blocking

Air blocking is a crucial defensive technique in fighting games that allows players to protect themselves from aerial attacks. By holding back on the control stick while in mid-air, characters can nullify incoming air assaults.

This skill is essential for maintaining an effective defense against opponents who frequently employ aerial strikes.

Mastering air blocking requires precise timing and quick reflexes, as it’s vital to anticipate and react swiftly to airborne threats. Skilful execution of this technique enables players to create openings for counter-attacks while avoiding damage from opponents’ aerial assaults.

Low Hits and High Hits

Low hits and high hits are fundamental concepts in fighting games. Low hits, denoted as L in many games, are attacks that must be blocked by crouching. They often have shorter range but can hit opponents who are standing or crouching.

On the other hand, high hits, denoted as H, require a standing block to defend against them. These attacks typically have longer reach and can only connect with opponents who are standing.

Understanding the distinction between low hits and high hits is crucial for effectively defending against various offensive strategies and executing optimal counter-attacks. This knowledge forms the basis of tactical decision-making during gameplay, influencing both defensive and offensive maneuvers.

Key Fighting Game Terms

Frame traps, chip damage, buffering, juggling, and canceling are all essential terms to understand when diving into the world of fighting games. Each term plays a crucial role in mastering the art of combat within these games.

Frame Traps

Frame traps are a strategic technique used by skilled players to pressure their opponents into making mistakes. By using moves that leave small gaps in between, they can catch their opponent with an attack if they try to retaliate.

This is done by intentionally creating a scenario where the opponent’s options are limited and punishing them for attempting to escape. Understanding frame data is crucial in executing effective frame traps, as it allows players to identify which moves will leave those tiny windows open for counterattacks.

Skilled players make use of frame traps as part of their offensive arsenal, capitalising on the momentary vulnerability that these tactics create. They provide opportunities for high-level mind games and test the opponent’s defensive capabilities, adding depth and complexity to gameplay.

Chip Damage

Chip damage occurs when a player takes damage from blocking special moves or super moves. Although the block reduces most of the incoming damage, chip damage still chips away at the player’s health bar.

This mechanic adds an element of pressure to defense, as players must carefully consider their options when dealing with relentless attacks that can potentially whittle down their health even while blocking.

Chip damage is a significant factor in high-level play and can influence strategic decisions during intense matches.

Buffering

Buffering is a technique where a player inputs commands before they are actually needed, allowing for seamless execution of moves. This can be particularly useful in high-pressure situations, as it ensures that the desired action is performed without delay.

It essentially involves queuing up actions in advance, which can be beneficial for executing complex combos or adapting to rapidly changing game dynamics.

Understanding buffering is crucial for mastering fighting games, as it enables players to stay ahead of the competition and respond swiftly to various in-game scenarios. By effectively utilising buffering techniques, gamers can optimise their gameplay and gain an edge over their opponents.

Juggling

Juggling in fighting games refers to the act of hitting an opponent repeatedly while they are suspended in the air, preventing them from landing and regaining control. This advanced technique involves precise timing and coordination to keep the opponent airborne for as long as possible, allowing for extended combos and increasing overall damage output.

Mastering juggling requires a deep understanding of frame data, specific move properties, and optimal button inputs to maintain the sequence of attacks effectively.

Players who excel at juggling can capitalise on openings during gameplay by initiating impressive aerial sequences that showcase both technical skill and strategic thinking. It is a fundamental aspect of high-level play and can significantly influence the outcome of matches when executed proficiently.

Canceling

Canceling refers to the technique used to interrupt a move and transition into another action. This can be crucial for creating combos or escaping from risky situations. By inputting specific commands during an attack animation, players can cancel out of the move and execute a different one without waiting for the initial animation to finish.

In fighting games, mastering canceling is essential for executing advanced techniques and maintaining momentum during matches. Understanding the timing and inputs required for canceling various moves can lead to more efficient gameplay and open up opportunities for strategic offense and defense.

Developing proficiency in canceling allows players to string together powerful combinations of attacks, keeping opponents on their toes throughout the match.

Common Fighting Game Slang and Abbreviations

Mashing, OTG, Oki, Salt, and Scrub are just a few examples of the slang and abbreviations used in the FGC community. Understanding these terms will help newcomers navigate the competitive gaming scene with ease.

Mashing

Mashing buttons quickly during gameplay can sometimes lead to unexpected strategies and outcomes, catching your opponent off guard. It’s a tactic that relies on rapid inputs to execute moves or escape from sticky situations when under pressure.

Mashing is often associated with novice players, but in some cases, it can create unpredictable scenarios that even seasoned gamers may find challenging to counter.

Mashing has its place in the fighting game community, offering a mix of excitement and unpredictability. While not always the most precise strategy, mashing can add an element of surprise and unorthodox playstyle to your matches.

OTG

Transitioning from the concept of “Mashing,” let’s delve into another important fighting game term – “OTG.” This abbreviation stands for “Off-The-Ground” and refers to attacks that can hit an opponent while they are lying on the ground.

In essence, OTG moves allow a player to continue their combo even after knocking their opponent down. These attacks are crucial for maintaining pressure and maximising damage output in strategic gameplay.

Mastering the timing and execution of OTG moves is essential for optimising your combo potential. Understanding which of your character’s moves have OTG properties will give you the upper hand in situations where opponents attempt to recover from a knockdown.

Oki

Oki, short for “okizeme,” refers to the strategic options and pressure applied when an opponent is getting up from a knockdown. Understanding oki is crucial in fighting games as it allows players to maintain control over the opponent’s wake-up options.

By applying pressure on their get-up, players can limit the opponent’s defensive choices and create opportunities for additional attacks or mix-ups. Oki techniques can include meaty attacks, safe jumps, or cross-up setups to keep the opponent guessing and under relentless pressure.

Mastery of oki enables players to dictate the pace of the match even after scoring a knockdown, effectively maintaining offensive momentum while limiting the opponent’s options upon recovery.

Salt

Salt, in the FGC, refers to the frustration or anger experienced during a game. It usually arises when one feels unfairly treated by their opponent’s actions, causing them to lose control of their emotions.

This can lead to reckless decision-making and poor gameplay. Understanding how to manage salt is crucial for maintaining composure and making rational decisions during intense matches.

Players often refer to someone as being “salty” when they exhibit signs of frustration due to losing or feeling disadvantaged. Recognising these emotions and learning effective coping strategies is essential for maintaining a positive mindset and improving overall performance in the competitive gaming environment.

Scrub

In the FGC, “scrub” is a slang term used to describe a player who lacks experience and skill, often displaying poor sportsmanship or making excuses for their losses. It’s important to note that using this term can be derogatory and disrespectful in some contexts, so it’s best to use it responsibly.

Scrubs are usually known for blaming external factors, such as lag or unfair character abilities, rather than focusing on improving their own gameplay. Understanding this term can help newcomers navigate the gaming community with respect and awareness of its culture.

Learning about “scrub” as part of fighting game terminology provides insights into the competitive mindset within the FGC, highlighting the importance of personal accountability and growth in gaming skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the FGC Glossary serves as a crucial resource for every newcomer to the fighting game community. It covers an extensive range of slang, terminology, and jargon essential for understanding and effectively communicating within the FGC.

With over 800 defined terms and video examples, this comprehensive glossary is an invaluable tool for expanding gaming vocabulary. Embracing these expressions can enhance players’ comprehension of advanced techniques and strategies prevalent in competitive gaming.

Whether delving into frame data or deciphering specific moves like “oki” and “rekkas,” this glossary empowers gamers to engage fully in the vibrant world of esports and competitive gaming.

FAQs

1. What does FGC stand for in gaming?

FGC stands for Fighting Game Community, which includes players and fans of competitive fighting video games.

2. Can you explain what ‘crossup’ means in gamer slang?

In fighting game jargon, a ‘crossup’ is a move that makes it difficult for the opponent to know which direction to block, often leading to taking unexpected hits.

3. What is a ‘mixup’ in fighting game vocabulary?

A ‘mixup’ refers to a strategy used by gamers where they perform various unpredictable attacks, making it hard for the opponent to defend themselves effectively.

4. How does ‘zoning’ work in competitive gaming terms?

Zoning involves controlling space on the playfield using ranged attacks or movements, ultimately limiting an opponent’s options during an esports tournament match.

5. What does ‘teching’ mean in video game terminology?

‘Teching’ is when a player performs an action within precisely the right timing window, like escaping from being thrown or reducing recovery time after being knocked down.