If you’re new to the LEGO community, you’re bound to come across some terms you’ve never seen before. Brick-builders across the globe have developed their own language to communicate and share ideas. Not only that, but the vast LEGO franchise with its countless sets has some unique jargon, too.
Here’s a glossary of LEGO terms that every brick builder needs to know.
Community Acronyms
LAN – LEGO Ambassador Network
This is LEGO’s official outreach program for adult fans. The company will recognize members of RLUG, RFLM, and RLOC. Those members are granted official ambassadorship, which includes access to the LAN and all of its support.
LFM – LEGO Fan Media
An LFM is any group or publication that produces media related to all things related to the LEGO brand. LFM include magazines, blogs, and even YouTube channels
LOC – LEGO Online Community
A LOC is an online-based community that focuses on the LEGO brand. LOCs include members from all over the world that participate in forum discussions and activities.
LUG – LEGO User Group
LEGO User Groups are dedicated fan clubs that meet in person to participate in building activities, meetings, and more. In the past, the term “LUG” referred to local or regional groups. But, many modern LUGs also have an online presence for virtual meetups.
RLFM – Recognized (or Registered) LEGO Fan Media
Similar to standard LEGO Fan Media, an RLFM is officially recognized by the LEGO group. RLFM can include several forms of media. Once recognized, the RLFM must choose an ambassador to represent it.
RLOC – Recognized (or Registered) LEGO Online Community
An web-based community that is officially recognized by the LEGO group via the LAN.
RLUG – Recognized (or Registered) LEGO User Group
Local and regional fan clubs that are officially recognized by the LEGO group. Like RLFMs and RLOCs, RLUGs are part of the LAN and have a chosen ambassador for representation.
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3.18
3.18 refers to a standard measurement used on many LEGO brick pieces. Typically used for cylindrical pieces, it’s the appropriate measurement for components to fit into a mini figure’s hand.
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A
ABS – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
ABS is the strong and resilient material that all LEGO bricks are made of. It’s a type of plastic that’s used in a wide range of products. But in LEGO bricks, it’s what gives the bricks their strength, shiny finish, and lasting durability.
AFOL – Adult Fan of LEGO
The term “AFOL” is used to describe adult brick-builders. Typically, the term is pronounced as “Hay-Foal”
AFFOL – Adult Female Fan of LEGO
In most communities, males outnumber females by a large margin. So, this term is used to provide some distinction.
AHOL – Adult Hobbyist of LEGO
This term is favored by those who don’t like the connotations that come with “fan.” You’ll likely see this, as well as other abbreviations with a similar meaning, used interchangeably.
ALE – Adult LEGO Enthusiast
Another acronym for an adult brick-builder.
ALH – Adult LEGO Hobbyist
A shorter and simpler acronym than AHOL, this also refers to adults brick builders.
Ambassador
Ambassadors are chosen representatives for LOCs, LUGs, and LFMs. The Ambassador represents the organization within the LAN and acts as a liaison between the group and the LEGO Group.
Anti-stud
The anti-stud is the indentation on the bottom of the brick. It’s what connects bricks to one another when forming structures.
Architecture
Architecture refers to a specific LEGO theme. The Architecture theme contains several iconic real-world buildings around the globe. Released in 2008 and designed by professional architect Adam Reed Tucker, the Architecture theme is quite popular for adult builders. It even spawned three sub-themed: the Landmark series, the Architect series, and Skylines.
Axel
Sometimes spelled “axle,” this is a specific piece that helps wheels and gears spin freely. It’s cylindrical and features indentations for components to lock into place. Axel pieces are crucial for vehicle sets.
AZMEP – Aus Zwei Mach Eins Plättchen
This is a German acronym that refers to a half-stud offset, which is a gap created by uniquely shaped bricks.
B
Baby Bow
This is the nickname given to the part 11477. It’s the smallest of the bowed slope set of bricks. The brick is 1 stud high, 2 studs long, and about 2/3 the height of a standard brick. It features a smooth curved slope and no studs on top.
Bandwagon
A Bandwagon is a passing trend in the LEGO community. You might have jumped on the bandwagon and enjoyed the trend before it faded into obscurity.
Baseplate
The baseplate is the flat building surface that you use to create your structures. It’s a bit different than a standard plate because it does not have any anti-studs on the bottom. As a result, it’s the true base of your build.
Baseplates come in a variety of sizes and colors. Sizes are determined by the number of studs. For example, a 10×10 baseplate has 10 studs on its length and 10 studs on its width, creating a total of 100 studs.
Some raised baseplates exist as well. These may create unique terrain or roads to build on.
Bignette
A diorama-like build on a large defined base. It’s bigger than a vignette, which is a smaller scene. However, it’s smaller than an official diorama build.
Billund
Billund is a town in Denmark. It’s where the LEGO Group headquarters and primary design center are located.
Bram Sphere
A Bram Sphere is a system for creating rounded builds. It was developed by Bram Lambrecht. The building system is complex, so many builders will utilize the Bram’s Sphere generator software as a building guide.
Brick
Brick is a universal term that many hobbyists use to describe LEGO pieces. It refers to any LEGO piece regardless of size, shape, or color. Technically speaking, a brick is any piece that’s cubic and more than 3 plates tall.
Brick-Built
When something is brick-built, it’s made entirely out of LEGO pieces rather than a prefabricated part. For example, you may be able to find preformed LEGO elements of a particular animal. But instead of using that smooth molded element, you build the animal out of bricks instead.
Bricklink
Bricklink is an online marketplace for LEGO sets and pieces. It’s a good source for buying large quantities of a specific element or hard-to-find sets.
Brickset
Brickset is a database website with information about every set and element every created. This includes unreleased sets. Brickset also has an inventory system where you can keep track of what you own.
Brickshelf
Brickshelf is an older photo-sharing platform. Builders used it to show off their builds. Most modern builders have moved onto other platforms. Though, you can still find old catalog scans and instructions.
Builder
A builder is anyone who uses LEGO elements to create masterpieces. The term is used by some to refer to those who use LEGO bricks to create custom builds rather than sets.
BURP – Big Ugly Rock Piece
Refers to part 6082. It’s one of two prefabricated LEGO elements that is supposed to look like a boulder. Most builders will simply create a built-brick structure instead.
Belville
Belville was a long-running theme that started in 1994 and ended in 2009. It was primarily targeted towards girls. Sets used standard bricks, but they also contained more unique pieces. For example, several sets had prefabricated animals, furniture, and more. The most notable difference was the figures. Rather than the traditional mini figure, Belville sets had larger figures that looked more human. They had more movable joints and finer details.
Big Figure or Bigfig:
A Bigfig is any figurine piece that’s larger than the traditional mini figurine. They’re usually custom molded and include more details the minifig. You often see them in licensed sets.
Bionicle
A theme targeted towards older male teens, Bionicle sets had ball-and-socket joint bricks to create larger figures. The theme was first launched in 2001. However, it was discontinued in 2010. It returned in 2015 but quickly discontinued again a couple of years later. The Bionicle brand did spawn a series of video games and films.
Bley
This is a portmanteau of blue and the British-English spelling of gray. It refers to a bluish hue given to bricks gray bricks. LEGO changed the color of gray bricks in 2004, eliminating green undertones.
Blind Bags
Blind bags are what collectibles from the Minifigurine Series come in. The bag is made of foil and completely sealed. As a result, you cannot see what you’re going to get before you open it up.
Brickheadz
The Brickheadz theme, released in 2017, is a collection of sets that center around the creation of characters. They offer an almost 1:1 head-to-torso ratio. Considered collectible display pieces, these builds are available in a wide range of licensed characters.
Brickowl
Brickowl is an online marketplace to buy and sell individual pieces. You can purchase rare elements, mini figurines, and more.
BOLOCs – Build Of Lots Of Colors
Ever see a build containing every color of the rainbow? That’s a BOLOCs! Typically BOLOCs are a product of necessity because the builder didn’t have enough similarly colored bricks to keep the color palette the same.
Boost
The Boost set centers around coding. Made for ages 7 and up, the sets include pieces to build robotic structures and figures. You can then connect the “Move Hub” to a smartphone and program it to do certain tasks.
Build
A build is any design that consists of two or more bricks.
Buildable Figure
These are large builds that utilize ball-and-socket elements rather than traditional elements. Usually, they’re the size of action-figures and have more movement than mini figures.
C
CCBS – Character and Creature Building System
CCBS utilizes ball and socket elements to create buildable figures with more articulation
C-C or CC
CC is a quick way to refer to Classic-Castle.com. This is a LEGO castle fan site with a strong community.
Cheese Grater
Refers to part 61409. It’s a unique piece that’s 1 stud wide, 2 studs long, and 2 plates high. It features an 18-degree slope and open slats that resemble that of a cheese grater.
Cheese Slope
The Cheese Slope is part 50746. It is 1 stud wide, 1 stud long, and 2 plates high. It has a smooth slope and no studs on top. The piece gets its name because yellow and orange versions look like a slice of cheddar cheese.
Clikits
Clikits were another theme marketed towards girls. Launched in 2003, the Clikits sets involved creating jewelry and wearable accessories. It was discontinued in 2006.
Clone
Clones are toys that look similar to LEGO bricks. Some may even be compatible with official LEGO systems. However, they are cheaper knockoffs that infringe upon the trademark and copyrights of the LEGO Group. Typically, builders will avoid clones.
CMF – Collectible Mini Figures
Collectible Mini Figures are individual mini figures that come with accessories. Started in 2010, LEGO has produced several themes. Each one comes in a blind bag.
Collector
A Collector is anyone who likes to collect official LEGO sets.
Constraction
Constraction elements are special bricks that are used to create buildable figures. They usually contain ball and joint connections rather than the standard stud system.
COW – Curved Out Wedge
COWs are bricks that have a wedge-shaped footprint. However, the top of the brick has a curved slope. You can find these in many sets. Often, they’re used for finishing.
Cracklink
A nickname that is used to describe the BrickLink marketplace website. It references the addictive nature of the site!
CSF – Classical Space Forums
This is the online LEGO fan forum on Classic-Space.com. It’s devoted to space-themed sets and builds. Unfortunately, it’s largely defunct.
Custom
Customs are full builds or individual components that aren’t from the LEGO Group. Builds may feature modified bricks or have custom finishes, such as sticker decals or paint.
Customizer
A Customizer is someone who modified LEGO parts. Many Customizers will use paint, moldable clay, or destructive tools to create new pieces that aren’t officially available from the LEGO Group.
Cuusoo
Cuusoo was the name given to the LEGO Ideas platform while it was still in its beta phase.
D
Dark Ages
The Dark Ages is something that every diehard LEGO fan goes through. It’s that period when fans leave the hobby for something else. Many sell off their LEGO collection during the dark ages. The term is only valid if the person comes to their senses and returns to the hobby.
Decorated Parts
Any brick or element that has official printing from LEGO
Design ID
The Design ID is used to identify the specific shape of the brick. Every brick has its ID number printed somewhere inside. It only refers to the mold and shape, not the color.
Dimensions
Dimensions is an action-adventure video game. Available on many platforms, you can play as a wide range of characters from familiar franchises. It’s a toy-to-life game as well. So, you can purchase new mini figures and add them to the game using the included Toy Pad.
Diorama or Dio
A diorama is a large LEGO scene full of detail. It’s larger than both a vignette and a bignette. Usually, dioramas are built on irregular bases.
Draft
A draft is a way to obtain specific parts without having to purchase sets. LEGO clubs will hold draft meetings where every member brings a LEGO set. The sets are sorted by piece. Then, members can pick and choose which elements they want.
DSS – Dreaded Sticker Sheet
Several themed sets come with sticker sheets rather than designs printed directly onto the brick. They’re not favored by builders because the stickers are tiny and difficult to align properly.
Dual Moulded
Dual-moulding (or molding) is a process used to create uniform arms and legs for mini figurines. In the past, arms and legs were printed as a single piece. Then, clothing details were printed on. However, this left the backsides of figures a different color. Dual molded figures address that problem to create a more polished look.
DUPLO
The DUPLO line is intended for children between the ages of 1 and 5. Bricks are roughly twice the size of standard bricks. These sets usually have limited shapes as well, resulting in a safer set. DUPLO sets can also include prefabricated figures and shapes.
E
Element
This is another universal name for a LEGO piece. However, it’s often used to describe a specific color and shape. For example, you can have two 2×4 bricks in yellow and red. They’re both referred to as bricks. But the separate red brick and the separate yellow brick are two different elements.
Element ID
Like the Design ID, this numerical system identifies individual pieces. However, it also represents the brick’s color. It’s usually found in a set’s instruction manual. You can also use the Element ID to search for bricks on marketplace sites.
Erling Brick
Designed by Erling Dideriksen, this is a unique brick with side-facing studs. It looks like a traditional 1×1 SNOT brick, but it has two studs and two anti-studs.
Eurobricks or EB
Eurobricks is a popular LEGO fan site devoted to European fans.
F
FFOL – Female Fan of LEGO
Another acronym that’s used to describe female brick builders. It’s used interchangeably with AFFOL.
FAFOL – Female Adult Fan of LEGO
Like FFOL and AFFOL, the term is used to distinguish female brick builders.
Fabuland
Fabuland was a theme that was popular between 1979 and 1989. Meant for ages 3 to 7, it was a transition theme between DUPLO and System. The pieces were bigger than DUPLO sets but still larger than traditional bricks. The Fabuland theme consisted of humanoid figures, which did not have interchangeable parts.
FBTB – From Bricks to Bothans
From Bricks to Bothans is an online site and community devoted to Star Wars LEGO sets.
FIRST LEGO League
The FIRST LEGO League is an alliance between the LEGO Group and FIRST. FIRST is an international youth organization that promotes STEM education. The alliance encouraged young LEGO fans to build robotics to solve problems like recycling and food safety.
Flickr
Flickr is a popular photo-sharing platform that many builders utilize to show off their creations.
Friends
The Friends theme is the LEGO Group’s latest line devoted to young girls. It’s quite successful and has spawned a number of sets. The Friends sets utilize colorful blocks and specialty elements. They also have mini-dolls, which feature more detail and articulating arms.
G
Gray Ages
Similar to Dark Ages, the Gray Ages are a period when builders step away from communities. They may also stop actively building. However, those in the Gray Ages still have an interest in LEGO and do not sell their sets.
Greebles
Greebles are complex pieces that have a lot of fine details. You’ll often see them in large space-themed sets. The Greebles cover areas where flat pieces will normally go. But instead of a flat or sloped surface, they have tubes and other mechanical-looking elements.
H
Half-Stud Offset
This is an advanced building technique that takes advantage of gaps and jumper plates. When using half-stud offsets, you disregard standard brick alignment for more versatility.
Headlight Brick
This is the common name for part 4070. Also known as the Erling Brick, it’s a 1×1 brick with a stud on the side.
Hero Factory
This theme was active between 2010 and 2014. It was similar to the Bionicle series, as it included Technic parts and buildable figures.
Hidden Side
The Hidden Side theme combines traditional brick-building with augmented reality. The sets are ghost-themed. With an accompanying smartphone app, you can find ghosts throughout the build.
I
Ideas
LEGO Ideas is a unique crowdsourcing platform. It started as Cuusoo in 2008. However, LEGO Ideas officially launched in 2014 and took on its new name.
LEGO fans can share ideas that they’d like to see. If the idea gets 10,000 supporters during a set period of time, the LEGO Group will review it and potentially make it a reality. LEGO Ideas helped bring popular themed sets like Minecraft and Back to the Future to fruition.
Illegal
A build is considered “Illegal” if it goes against the instructions set by the designers. They may use building techniques that create too much stress on a given joint or create an overall unstable build.
Inventory
The inventory is the official record of parts that are included with a set. usually found in the instruction manual, you can also find inventories on several sites.
J
Jumbo Brick
Jumbo Bricks were a unique product that was produced between 1964 and 1971 in the United States. Made for Samsonite, the individual bricks were about three times as big as the standard LEGO bricks.
Jumper Plate
Jumper Plates are bricks that have a different stud count than the footprint. For example, a jumper plate can have anti-studs to cover a 1×2 area. But on the top, there’s only a single stud in the center. Jumper plates make half-stud offsets possible.
Juniors
The Juniors theme is developed for ages 4 to 7. It is meant to be a transition theme between the DUPLO sets and the standard System. The bricks and figures are the same sizes as standard ones. However, the builds are simpler for younger minds to comprehend.
K
KFOL – Kid Fan of LEGO
This acronym is used to describe younger brick builders.
L
LAN – LEGO Ambassador Network
Refer to the “Community Acronyms” section.
LBR – LEGO Brand Retail
LEGO Brand Retail is the LEGO Group’s retail store division. It controls physical LEGO stores.
LCP – LEGO Certified Professional
LCPs are talented builders who can create enormous works of art using LEGO bricks. Contrary to what the title would make you believe, these artists don’t work for the LEGO Group. Rather, they’re officially recognized by the Group. There are currently 13 LCPs around the world.
LDD – LEGO Digital Designer
This is a piece of software that’s available for Windows and macOS. It’s LEGO’s official program for designing digital models.
LDraw
LDraw is an unofficial piece of software for creating digital LEGO models. It was fan-created and is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Legal
A “Legal” build is one that was completed following the guidelines to a tee. It uses all of the same techniques and instructions created by a set’s designers.
LEGO
LEGO bricks are a flexible toy building system. The toys are used by both adults and children. Originally called “Automatic Binding Bricks,” LEGO bricks have been a worldwide phenomenon since 1949.
LEGO Community
The LEGO Community is a worldwide network of enthusiasts, collectors, and builders. The community stays in touch through websites, online forums, physical meetups, and more.
LEGOLand
LEGOLand refers to the chain of LEGO theme parks. The first open in Billund, Denmark in 1968. However, the chain has expanded a lot since then. As of 2020, there are nine parks located throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. There are plans to open up three additional parks within the next couple of years. Contrary to popular belief, LEGOLand parks aren’t wholly owned by the LEGO group. Instead, they’re owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments.
Legos
This is a big no-no in the LEGO community. Used by the uninitiated to refer to multiple LEGO bricks, the term is not technically correct. In the 1980s, the LEGO Group clarified that more than one LEGO element should be referred to as “LEGO bricks.” Other terms, such as “LEGO brand building bricks,” or “LEGO sets,” are acceptable, too.
For simplicity, most LEGO fans use the term “LEGO” when referencing sets or bricks in plural form.
LFM – LEGO Fan Media
Refer to the “Community Acronyms” section.
Licensed Themes
Licensed themes are modeled after big-name television shows, movies, or media franchises. One of the first licensed LEGO sets was Star Wars. Today, you can find a wide range of themes covering Harry Potter, Stranger Things, Minecraft, Marvel Comics, and more.
LOC – LEGO Online Community
Refer to the “Community Acronyms” section.
Lowell Sphere
Developed by Bruce Lowell in 2003, this building technique creates a 4x4x4 stud sphere. It can sometimes reference a size option for general Bram Spheres, too. The technique is versatile and can be used to create tubes and other complex shapes.
LUG – LEGO USER GROUP
Refer to the “Community Acronyms” section.
LUGBULK
This is a unique program that’s available to RLUGs and RLFM. Through the LAN, these groups can purchase specific elements in bulk.
LURP – Little Ugly Rock Piece
A LURP is a prefabricated brick that’s meant to look like a small rock. It’s the smaller version of the BURP. Most builders will stray away from using it, instead opting for a brick-built alternative.
LXF
An LXF is a type of file used for the LEGO Digital Designer software. It refers to the file’s extension.
M
Mecabricks
Mecabricks is an online platform that builders can use to create digital LEGO models. It’s similar to LDD and LDraw.
Micro-doll
Micro-dolls were first launched in 2020. They look very similar to the traditional mini-doll figures. They even use the same-sized head. However, the bodies are smaller and do not have to articulate arms or legs.
Microfigure / Microfig
Microfigures look like standard mini figures. But, they are crafted out of a single molded piece. They take up only a single peg and were usually used for games. You could see them in massive builds as well. Microfigs were discontinued in 2014.
Microscale
Microscale builds are smaller than the size of a mini figure. It’s a unique building technique that dwarfs most other builds.
Mindstorms
The Mindstorms theme is one that’s built around coding and robotics. Aimed at older children, these sets come with both Technic and System parts. They also have advanced sensor pieces. Sensors can pick up color, touch, remote signals, infrared light, and more. You can use these sensors to program builds on a desktop computer. It’s similar to LEGO Boost, but Boost and Mindstorms are not compatible.
Minifig
The Minifig, or mini figurine, is a familiar staple in the LEGO brand. First launched in 1978, Minifigs are included with nearly every set ever produced. Known for their anti-stud legs, movable arms, and C-shaped hands, these figures have evolved a lot since they were first introduced.
Today, you can find thousands of Minifigs on the market. Thanks to unique prints, swappable headpieces, and interchangeable bodies, there’s an endless number of possibilities when it comes to design.
Minifig Scale
When you build to Minifig Scale, you’re building in relation to the size of the mini figures. This means that structures and vehicles can accommodate the figures.
Mini-doll
Mini-dolls are a more detailed alternative to mini figures. They feature curved bodies, moving arms, and specially molded shapes. Mini-dolls are included with several themes. These include Friends, Elves, and more. These dolls feature more human-like features. They also have interchangeable parts.
Miniland
Named after Miniland attractions at LEGOLand parks, this is a uniform building style. It doesn’t refer to the look of the structures, but rather the style and scale. Miniland builds are about 10 bricks high and have exposed studs.
MOC – My Own Creation
Pronounced like “Mock,” this acronym is used by builders to indicate that they built their creation without any instructions or guidelines.
MOCFodder
MOCFodder is a set that’s attractive to MOC builders. The sets aren’t sought-after because of the finished product. Instead, MOC builders will purchase them for the elements.
MOCpages
This is a photo-sharing site that’s specific to MOC LEGO builds.
Modular Buildings
Modular Buildings are a sub-theme. They’re part of the larger Creators theme and were designed by Jamie Berard. Each set of Modular Buildings creates a highly detailed building complete with an interior. Separate builds can be put together to create a larger street with the scale of a mini figure.
Modulex
Produces between 1963 and 1965, Modulex bricks looked similar to standard System bricks. But, they were smaller and catered to a much different audience. The LEGO Group targeted architects looking to create scale models of their projects. After only two years, Modulex left the LEGO Group and became its own company.
Molds – Moulds
LEGO molds are used to create the bricks we know and love! The molds shape the molten ABS plastic. Every single brick and element goes through a mold before it ends up in your set!
MSRP – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
MSRP is a term that’s used for all retail items, including LEGO sets. Think of it as an official price from the LEGO Group. The LEGO Group will set an MSRP for a region or market. Retailers can then sell the set higher or lower than the MSRP.
N
Nanofigures or Nanofigs
Nanofigs are the smallest figurines of them all. They only take up a single peg and are a mere 1.5 pegs tall! Initially, the LEGO Group used this size to create trophies or statues. However, they have begun to create new molds and prints in familiar designs. They contain no moving parts, but they have plenty of detail to replicate large mini figures.
NLP – Non-LEGO Person
Here’s a term that LEGO enthusiasts use to describe someone who doesn’t appreciate the LEGO world!
NPU – Nice Part Use
If you find a new way to use an element beyond its intended use, it’s an NPU. Many builders use this to describe how they utilize certain components for their custom builds.
P
PAB Wall – Pick-a-Brick Wall
Found in LEGO retail stores, this famous wall is a great way to stock up on specific elements. You pay for a cup. Then, you have the opportunity to fill it with bricks stored in containers on the wall. You’re only paying for the cup, so you can fill it up with whatever you want from the wall.
Parts Monkey
This endearing name is used to describe someone who focuses on parts rather than complete builds. They may purchase sets just for the specific elements they contain.
Parts Pack
Parts Packs are sold by LEGO. They are official sets, but they don’t have an overall design or build. Instead, they contain several rare or desirable elements.
Plate
A plate is a shallow flat brick. It can be of any size. To be considered a plate, it has to measure 1/3 the height of a standard brick.
Polybag
Typically used as promotional items, Polybags contain small models or builds with only a few pieces.
POOP – Parts Out of Other Parts
A POOP is a prefabricated part that could have been brick-built. It may have a uniform shape that’s easy to achieve with standard bricks. Good examples of a POOP piece is a BURP or LURP
Purist
A Purist is a brick-builder who frowns upon using unofficial building bricks or modified parts.
Q
QUATRO
QUATRO was a theme that was produced between 2004 and 2006. It consisted of the largest individual bricks every produced by the LEGO Group. They were twice the size of DUPLO bricks. Marketed to young kids between the ages of 1 and 3, Quatro bricks were large enough to avoid choking hazards. Interestingly enough, you could use QUATRO bricks with both DUPLO and System builds.
R
Rainbow Warrior
This term is used to describe multi-colored builds with no coherent color palette.
Render
Renders are computer-generated models built using software like LDraw or LDD. Many consider renders to be inferior to physical builds. But, they still take plenty of skill to finish.
RLUG – Recognized LEGO User Group
Refer to the “Community Acronyms” section.
RLFM – Registered LEGO Fan Media
Refer to the “Community Acronyms” section.
S
S@H
S@H stands for LEGO Shop at Home. It was a direct-to-consumer sales channel. LEGO took sales through the telephone and with catalogs.
Scala
Scala was a theme launched in 1979. It was discontinued and revived several times over the decades. It was last discontinued in 2001. Marketed towards girls, Scala was more doll-focused. It had very little building components. Though, it was compatible with System bricks.
SHIP – Seriously Huge Investment in Parts
SHIP refers to builds that utilize a lot of bricks. It’s a term that’s frequently used in LEGO space builds. There, it means builds that are more than 100 studs long.
Sigfig
Sigfig is short for a signature mini figure. It’s a figurine that LEGO community members will customize. Oftentimes, it’s customized to reflect a user’s real-life appearance. The Sigfig is then used on forums or online platforms.
SNIR – Studs Not In a Row
SNIR builds utilize bricks arranged in a diagonal fashion. It’s a highly advanced building technique.
SNOT – Studs Not On Top
With a SNOT build, bricks go sideways. This creates a smooth finish on top. Typically, Erling bricks are used to accomplish SNOT builds.
STAMP – Stickers Across Multiple Parts
When a sticker must be applied across several parts, it’s referred to as a STAMP build. These aren’t viewed favorably, as you cannot disassemble the bricks without ruining the sticker.
Stud
The stud is the protrusion on top of the brick. Cylindrical in shape, it fits into the anti-stud to lock pieces together.
Studless
A studless build is one that has a smooth finish with no visible studs. This can be achieved with SNOT building techniques or smooth-topped bricks.
Swooshable
This is a quirky little term that builders use to describe the overall look and feel of a finished project. If it looks like it can be picked up and “flown” across the room in your hand while making plane noises, it’s swooshable!
System
System is the main line of LEGO bricks. This of it as the “Standard” brick types.
T
Tablescrap
Tablescraps are small builds that you use with leftover pieces from your primary build. It doesn’t stand on its own, but you can use tablescraps to experiment with building techniques.
TBB – The Brick Brothers
The Brick Brothers is a popular LEGO blog and news site.
Technic
Technic bricks are compatible with standard System bricks. But, they utilize gears, axles, and complex mechanical components. They’re great for building robots and moving builds.
TFOL – Teen Fan of LEGO
This acronym describes teenagers who love LEGO
Tile
A tile brick has the same dimensions as a plate. However, there are no studs on top. They’re primarily used to finish off the build.
Theme
A LEGO theme is a specific product line focusing on a specific subject. For example, LEGO has several licensed themes that cover franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter.
TLC – The LEGO Company
A shorthand way of referring to The LEGO Company.
TLG – The LEGO Group
An acronym to refer to the Danish toy company that produces LEGO bricks. It was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen.
Travis Brick
The common name for part 4733. The Travis brick was named after a devoted fan named Travis Kunce. After his passing, the community adopted the name. It’s a 1×1 brick with studs on 4 sides.
TRU – Toys ‘R’ Us
Toys ‘R’ Us is a now-defunct toy retailer that sold LEGO products.
U
UCS – Ultimate Collectors Series
The Ultimate Collectors Series is a series of large-scale Star Wars sets. These sets are massive and usually larger than the standard mini figure scale. They’re targeted towards adults and typically contain thousands of pieces.
V
Vignette or Vig
A Vignette is a small lego scene. Typically built on an 8×8 base, Vigs are simple to build and can depict any scene with a narrow focus.
W
WIP – Work in Progress
This acronym is used by builders when showing off projects that aren’t finished yet.
Conclusion
These are just some of the terms you’ll see in the LEGO community. LEGO jargon is constantly evolving. Have these terms under your belt and you should have no problem interacting with other LEGO enthusiasts.