Laughing Through the Lingo: A Guide to Pickleball’s Funniest Terms and Phrases

Introduction

If you’ve ever found yourself on a pickleball court or even just watching a game, you may have noticed something unique about the sport’s culture: the language. Pickleball isn’t just full of back-and-forth volleys and rapid dinks; it’s also packed with some of the funniest, most memorable terms in sports. From “kitchen” violations to “Ernie” maneuvers, pickleball’s jargon has a life of its own.

Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to brush up on your vocabulary or a curious newcomer wondering what these terms actually mean, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a playful guide to the quirkiest words and phrases in pickleball—terms that are as much a part of the game as the paddle and the ball.

1. The Kitchen: The Zone You Don’t Want to Overstep

You might think of the “kitchen” as the warm, friendly heart of a home where people gather, but in pickleball, it’s actually the last place you want to end up. Located seven feet from the net on both sides, the kitchen (or non-volley zone) is a critical part of the court where players are forbidden from volleying the ball—meaning they can’t hit it out of the air without letting it bounce.

This rule is one of the main elements that sets pickleball apart from other paddle sports, adding a unique layer of strategy to the game. So, why “kitchen”? There’s no official explanation, but it’s widely believed to have borrowed its name from shuffleboard, where a similar penalty area exists. Whatever the origin, players know to steer clear of this zone if they want to keep the point alive. Next time someone yells, “Stay out of the kitchen!” you’ll know they’re not worried about soup boiling over—they’re just making sure you don’t lose the rally.

2. Dink: The Delightful Little Tap with Big Impact

In pickleball, not every shot is about power. Some shots are about finesse, and the “dink” is the perfect example. A dink is a soft, controlled shot that lands just over the net in the opponent’s kitchen, making it tricky for them to return. This tactic is all about patience and precision, as it forces players to engage in a gentle back-and-forth, often leading to tense moments and clever maneuvers.

The word itself—“dink”—sounds playful and lighthearted, perfectly fitting for a shot that requires such a gentle touch. But don’t let the cute name fool you: dinking is a core skill in pickleball. Mastering the dink means you’re well on your way to mastering the game. In a sport known for its friendliness and strategy, the dink embodies both!

3. Ernie: The Bold Move with a Friendly Name

The “Ernie” is a move that demands both guts and agility. Named after a skilled pickleball player who popularized the maneuver, the Ernie involves stepping out of bounds on the sideline near the kitchen to intercept a shot close to the net. The goal is to catch the opponents off guard with a quick, powerful hit from an angle they weren’t expecting.

Why the name “Ernie”? It’s believed to be named after Erne Perry, who pulled off this shot so skillfully that it became synonymous with his name. The Ernie adds a bit of dramatic flair to the game, as it can be both risky and rewarding. And let’s face it—the term “Ernie” just sounds friendly, like an old buddy who’s full of tricks, which is part of why pickleball lingo is so endearing.

4. Flapjack: A Shot to Serve and Savor

If you think of breakfast when you hear “flapjack,” you’re not alone. But in pickleball, a flapjack is a shot that must bounce once on each side before volleys can begin at the start of each point. This rule is in place to prevent players from jumping straight into high-powered volleys, creating a more balanced and skillful start to each rally.

The term “flapjack” reflects the playful spirit of pickleball, inviting a smile each time it’s used. It also underscores that the game is a blend of patience and precision, setting the stage for an enjoyable yet strategic rally.

5. Pickled: The Sweet-and-Sour End to a Shutout Game

Here’s a term that makes perfect sense once you remember the name of the game. When a team loses a game without scoring any points, they’ve been “pickled.” While it might sting a bit to lose with a goose egg, the term “pickled” adds a dash of humor and keeps things light-hearted—this is pickleball, after all!

Being “pickled” might not be something you aim for, but it’s a funny reminder that even shutout losses are part of the game. As pickleballers say, “It’s all in good fun!”

6. Paddle Tapping: The Pickleball Handshake

In many sports, a match ends with a handshake, but in pickleball, it’s all about the “paddle tap.” Players tap their paddles together at the end of each game, offering a quick gesture of sportsmanship and camaraderie. This custom perfectly represents pickleball’s welcoming and social nature.

Whether it’s a casual game or a fierce match, the paddle tap keeps things friendly, reinforcing that pickleball is as much about community as it is about competition.

7. OPA!: The Start of Something Fun

“OPA!” might sound like a Greek wedding celebration, but in pickleball, it’s the spirited shout players make after the initial double-bounce rule is satisfied, signaling that volleys are now in play. This exclamation amps up the energy and lets players know it’s time for some serious volleying.

Borrowing from Greek tradition, “OPA!” brings an added sense of joy and excitement to the game, making it one of the most playful and memorable parts of the pickleball experience.

8. Slammers and Bangers: The Heavy Hitters

In pickleball, there’s a playful rivalry between players who prefer soft, strategic shots (like dinks) and those who love hitting hard and fast. Known as “slammers” or “bangers,” these power players rely on high-speed shots to dominate their opponents.

This nickname reflects a friendly division in playing style and adds character to the game. The beauty of pickleball is that both styles have their place, and players often find themselves laughing over the "banger vs. dink" debate.

9. Third Shot Drop: The Ultimate Game-Changer

The third shot drop is a move known to any serious pickleball player. It’s a soft, controlled shot aimed at the opponent’s kitchen, ideally executed as the third shot in a rally. The third shot drop levels the playing field, allowing the serving team to move up to the net and reducing the opposing team’s advantage.

While the term “third shot drop” might sound straightforward, the move itself requires plenty of finesse and practice. For pickleball fans, successfully executing a third shot drop is one of the ultimate joys in the game, marking a player’s mastery of both skill and strategy.

10. Around-the-Post (ATP): A Daring Shot Outside the Lines

Finally, there’s the Around-the-Post shot, or ATP, for short. This advanced move allows players to hit the ball around the net post instead of over it. When the shot lands in, it’s a sight to behold, often earning cheers from onlookers.

An ATP shot requires precision, timing, and a bit of flair. It’s the pickleball equivalent of a showstopper and a reminder that this sport always has room for a little drama.

Conclusion: The Language of Pickleball

Pickleball’s funny, memorable terms give the game a personality all its own. Whether you’re perfecting your third shot drop, avoiding the kitchen, or celebrating with a loud “OPA!” after a tough volley, the language of pickleball helps players feel like part of an inside joke. The lingo reflects pickleball’s relaxed yet strategic spirit and makes the sport as welcoming as it is exhilarating.

So, next time you step onto the court, remember to embrace the lingo, stay out of the kitchen, and most importantly—have fun!