30 Must-Know Cheerleading Terms, Phrases and Slang

Get ready to flip over our ultimate cheerleading glossary!

Hey cheer fans! Are you ready to chant, tumble, and leap your way to the top?

Get your pom-poms shaking because we’re about to break down 30 cheer-tastic terms that’ll have you speaking like a squad leader in no time.

Time to hit a high V and cheer loud! Let’s jump into the spirit!

Must-Know Cheerleading Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Base
2. Basket toss
3. Flyer
4. Full out
5. Handspring
6. Herkie
7. Jump
8. Liberty
9. Mount
10. Pom-poms
11. Pyramid
12. Routine
13. Scorpion
14. Stunt
15. Tuck
16. Varsity
17. Cheer
18. Cradle
19. Cupie
20. Dance
21. Extension
22. Heel stretch
23. High V
24. Low V
25. Motions
26. Sideline
27. Spotter
28. Toe touch
29. Tumbling
30. Whip

#1 Base

In cheerleading, the base refers to the person or persons who provide the foundation for a stunt or pyramid, lifting and supporting the flyer aloft. They are vital to the stability and safety of cheer stunts.

#2 Basket Toss

A high-flying stunt where the bases toss the flyer into the air using interlocked hands, resembling a basket. The flyer performs a trick at the apex before being caught by the bases or back spot.

#3 Flyer

The flyer is the cheerleader who is lifted into the air during a stunt or pyramid. They must maintain tight body control and perform various positions while being supported by bases and spotters.

#4 Full out

The term “full out” in cheer is used to describe performing a routine with maximum effort and all elements, including the stunts, jumps, and dance moves, exactly as they would be in a competition.

#5 Handspring

A handspring is an acrobatic move where a cheerleader propels themselves over on their hands and then lands back on their feet. It often appears in tumbling sequences and can be front or back.

#6 Herkie

A classic cheerleading jump named after its creator, Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, features one leg extended straight out and the other bent towards the ground, creating a distinctive pose in mid-air.

#7 Jump

In cheerleading, a jump is a dynamic movement where the cheerleader launches off the ground into a variety of leg positions, often including a toe touch, pike, or herkie. Jumps are scored on height, form, and landing.

#8 Liberty

A popular stunt in cheerleading where the flyer stands on one leg (usually the left), with the other leg bent at the knee and held up so the foot is near the knee of the standing leg. The bases support the flyer’s foot to maintain balance.

#9 Mount

In cheerleading, a mount refers to the formation where flyers are lifted or boosted into the air by bases. It is a foundational element for stunts and pyramids, requiring strength, precision, and teamwork.

#10 Pom-poms

Cheerleading pom-poms are colorful, fluffy accessories that cheerleaders shake and use during performances to add visual appeal and emphasize their movements. They’re iconic symbols of cheer spirit.

#11 Pyramid

A pyramid is a multi-level stunt that involves several cheerleaders, combining mounts and lifts to create a spectacular human structure. It’s a highlight in routines that showcases strength and balance.

#12 Routine

A cheerleading routine is a choreographed performance that includes stunts, tumbling, dance, and jumps. Performed at games or competitions, routines are scored for their precision, difficulty, and entertainment value.

#13 Scorpion

The scorpion is an advanced flexibility stunt where a flyer stands on one foot, grabs the ankle of her other leg behind her body, and extends it upwards towards her head, resembling a scorpion’s tail.

#14 Stunt

A stunt in cheerleading is a skilled move where cheerleaders lift or support one another to create a formation like a lift, pyramid, or basket toss. Stunts require strength, coordination, and timing.

#15 Tuck

A type of jump in cheerleading where the cheerleader pulls both knees to the chest tightly while in mid-air, often performed during a routine to demonstrate agility and control.

#16 Varsity

Refers to a cheerleading squad that represents the highest competitive level in school cheerleading, typically consisting of older or more experienced members than a junior varsity (JV) team.

#17 Cheer

A coordinated chant or shout performed by cheerleaders to encourage team spirit and motivate the crowd. Cheering combinations vary and can include stomps, claps, and jumps synchronized with vocal enthusiasm.

#18 Cradle

A dismount from a stunt where the flyer is caught by the bases in a seated position before being brought to the ground. It’s a fundamental skill in cheerleading that requires precise timing and trust among teammates.

#19 Cupie

An advanced stunt where the flyer stands on one base’s hands with both feet together, creating a “cup” shape with their legs. The cupie requires significant balance and strength on the part of the base.

#20 Dance

A sequence of choreographed moves often incorporated into cheerleading routines, encompassing various styles to add visual appeal and engage the audience. Dance in cheerleading emphasizes synchronicity and flair.

#21 Extension

A stunt where the flyer is lifted high above the bases’ heads, standing straight up with legs locked. This position showcases the flyer’s balance and the bases’ strength and steadiness.

#22 Heel Stretch

A flexibility skill where a cheerleader lifts one leg up by the heel and holds it straight out in front, typically while standing on the other leg. The heel stretch demonstrates agility and flexibility.

#23 High V

A basic arm position in cheerleading where the arms are raised at a 45-degree angle upward from the shoulder line, forming a “V” shape. This is a common position used in cheers and chants for visual effect.

#24 Low V

Similar to the High V but with the arms extended downward at a 45-degree angle from the body, forming an upside-down “V.” This position is also frequently used in various cheer routines for its strong visual appeal.

#25 Motions

In cheerleading, motions refer to the precise and sharp hand movements and positions, such as claps, punches, or touch-downs, used by cheerleaders to accentuate words and beats during cheers and routines.

#26 Sideline

The sideline is the area along the edge of the competition floor or field where cheerleaders perform chants, cheers, and dances to support their team and engage the audience during breaks in the sporting action.

#27 Spotter

A spotter is a safety role within the squad, responsible for observing and assisting flyers during stunts and tumbling to prevent injuries. They ensure that the flyer lands safely by catching or supporting them if necessary.

#28 Toe touch

The toe touch is a dynamic cheerleading jump where the cheerleader performs a clean, horizontal leg split in mid-air while reaching their hands towards their toes. It’s a prominent move in routines that showcases flexibility and athleticism.

#29 Tumbling

Tumbling refers to the gymnastic elements of cheerleading, including rolled and airborne skills like handsprings, tucks, and flips. It is an integral part of a cheer routine that demonstrates power and agility.

#30 Whip

A whip is an advanced tumbling pass where the cheerleader performs a no-handed backflip with a fast, whip-like motion. It requires significant aerial skill and is often used in succession with other tumbling moves to create impressive sequences.

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