30 Must-Know Wrestling Terms, Phrases and Slang

Step onto the mat where champions are made and legends are born!

Get ready to rumble with the ultimate wrestling glossary that’s your secret weapon to sounding like a ring veteran.

From bone-crushing moves to slick escapes, master these 30 essential terms and you’ll have the crowd roaring for more.

Let the smackdown of slang begin!

Must-Know Wrestling Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Bout
2. Bridge
3. Clinch
4. Escape
5. Fall
6. Grappling
7. Hold
8. Lock
9. Mat
10. Pin
11. Point
12. Reversal
13. Takedown
14. Technical fall
15. Throw
16. Tie-up
17. Weight class
18. Armbar
19. Cauliflower ear
20. Double leg
21. Half nelson
22. Headgear
23. Match
24. Neutral position
25. Referee’s position
26. Singlet
27. Sprawl
28. Stalling
29. Stand-up
30. Suplex

#1 Bout

A term used to describe an individual wrestling match between two competitors, typically in a tournament or dual meet setting. It’s the basic unit of competition in the sport of wrestling.

#2 Bridge

A defensive move where a wrestler arches their back and uses their head and feet to support their body, preventing their shoulders from touching the mat. This action is essential for avoiding pins.

#3 Clinch

When two wrestlers are in close proximity and engage by locking arms or grabbing their opponent’s clothing or body. Clinching is a struggle for control and is a crucial part of setting up throws and takedowns.

#4 Escape

A move where a wrestler breaks free from an opponent’s control while on the bottom, gaining a standing position and earning one point. Escapes are fundamental skills for reversing disadvantageous positions.

#5 Fall

Also known as a pin, this occurs when one wrestler holds both of an opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a referee-count, usually two seconds, resulting in an immediate win. Achieving a fall is a primary goal in wrestling as it secures a victory regardless of the current score.

#6 Grappling

It’s the act of physically engaging with an opponent with the aim to gain control, using a variety of holds, throws, and takedowns. Grappling is the essence of wrestling as a sport and encompasses all forms of physical contest between wrestlers.

#7 Hold

In wrestling, a hold refers to any grip or method of grabbing the opponent that is intended to control, manipulate, or pin them. Holds are fundamental to wrestling techniques and can be applied using the arms, legs, or the entire body.

#8 Lock

A lock in wrestling is a type of hold where a wrestler wraps their arms or legs around a part of the opponent’s body in a way that restricts movement, potentially leading to a submission if applied in submission wrestling. Common examples include armlocks and leglocks.

#9 Mat

The surface on which wrestling matches take place, typically made of shock-absorbing material to protect the athletes. The mat is a fundamental part of the sport, defining the boundary and playing field for wrestlers

#10 Pin

Achieved when a wrestler holds their opponent’s shoulders on the mat for a referee’s count, usually securing victory. It is the most definitive way to win in wrestling, showcasing superiority and control.

#11 Point

In wrestling, points are awarded for various maneuvers or positions that demonstrate control, such as takedowns or escapes. The wrestler with the most points at the end of the match, if there’s no pin, wins.

#12 Reversal

A move where a wrestler on the bottom turns the tables to gain control over their opponent, typically scoring points. This maneuver requires skill and timing and can shift the momentum of a match.

#13 Takedown

Occurs when a wrestler brings their opponent from a standing position to the mat, gaining control. It’s a fundamental move that initiates ground wrestling and can score significant points.

#14 Technical fall

This happens when a wrestler achieves a superiority of points over their opponent, ending the match before regular time is up. It’s akin to a mercy rule, underscoring one wrestler’s dominance over the other.

#15 Throw

A throw in wrestling involves using leverage and force to lift and then forcibly bring the opponent to the mat, typically over the wrestler’s hip or back. Throws are dynamic techniques used to gain control and score points through the opponent’s impact with the ground.

#16 Tie-up

A tie-up is an engagement between wrestlers where they clasp each other closely with their arms, often at the upper body, to jockey for position. It’s a fundamental part of wrestling used to gain control and set up other moves.

#17 Weight class

In wrestling, competitors are divided into weight classes to ensure fairness and safety, with each class containing athletes of similar body weight. It prevents mismatches where a heavier opponent might have an undue advantage.

#18 Armbar

An armbar is a grappling hold aimed at hyperextending the opponent’s elbow joint, causing significant pain or forcing a submission. It’s a common move seen both in wrestling and various forms of martial arts.

#19 Cauliflower Ear

A deformity of the ear caused by repeated trauma or blunt force, common among wrestlers due to the intense friction and impact experienced during matches. It results in a bumpy or lumpy appearance of the ear.

#20 Double leg

The double leg takedown is a fundamental wrestling move where a competitor grabs both of the opponent’s legs and forces them to the ground. It is often used to gain control and score points.

#21 Half nelson

The half nelson is a wrestling maneuver that involves passing one arm under the opponent’s armpit and locking the hand at the back of their neck, enabling control and an opportunity to flip them onto their back.

#22 Headgear

Protective equipment that wrestlers wear during matches to prevent injuries, particularly to the ears and head. Headgear is mandatory in many competitions to avoid conditions like cauliflower ear.

#23 Match

A wrestling match is the contest between two wrestlers. It consists of periods or rounds, where wrestlers attempt to score points through various moves or achieve a pin, leading to victory. Matches are governed by a set of rules that define scoring, allowable techniques, and time limits.

#24 Neutral Position

In wrestling, the neutral position is when both competitors start standing and facing each other, each looking for an opening to secure a takedown. It’s a fundamental starting stance associated with fair competition and strategic manoeuvring.

#25 Referee’s Position

This is a position used at the beginning of some periods or after a stalemate where one wrestler starts on the mat on all fours, while the other starts on top, in control. It’s intended to give wrestlers a defined start and can lead to escapes or reversals.

#26 Singlet

The singlet is the standard uniform for amateur wrestlers, a one-piece, tight-fitting garment that allows referees to see each athlete’s body clearly for scoring while limiting the opponent’s ability to grab onto loose clothing.

#27 Sprawl

A defensive maneuver designed to thwart an opponent’s takedown attempt, a sprawl involves spreading the legs back and using the hips to apply pressure on the opponent’s upper body. Wrestlers use this to prevent being brought to the mat.

#28 Stalling

In wrestling, stalling is a passive or avoidance tactic where a competitor avoids active engagement, leading to warnings and eventual penalties by the referee. It’s considered poor sportsmanship and detrimental to the match’s action.

#29 Stand-up

In wrestling, a stand-up is a move used by a wrestler starting from the ground (typically in the down position) to return to a standing position and escape or counter the opponent’s control. It’s a basic but crucial technique for regaining mobility and initiative.

#30 Suplex

A suplex is a type of throw that involves lifting the opponent off the ground and then driving them back-first onto the mat. Suplexes can be executed from various angles and positions, often involving a bridge using the back and legs to maximize impact. They are dramatic, high-impact moves common in many styles of wrestling.

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