Cornhole Terminology: The Ultimate Guide to Cornhole Lingo
Cornhole terminology includes unique phrases and expressions from "woody" to "airmail". The lingo adds an extra layer of camaraderie and a sense of belonging to the game. In a prior post about Cornhole Culture we could have included a section about cornhole lingo but it deserved its own post. If you are new to the scene or looking to expand your cornhole vocabulary, this blog post is your ultimate guide to the rich tapestry of cornhole lingo. We'll dive deep into the terminology, uncovering the meanings behind the key terms and phrases that will have you speaking the language of cornhole fluently in no time. Get ready to unlock the secrets of the language that will elevate your game to the next level.
Cornhole: The Game and Its Origins
Before delving into the cornhole lingo, let's briefly touch upon the game itself. Cornhole is a competitive indoor or outdoor game where players take turns throwing bags filled with corn or plastic pellets at a raised platform with a hole in it. The objective is to land the bags on the platform or, ideally, to get them through the hole for maximum points. The game has gained popularity in recent years and is played in backyards, parks, tailgate parties, and even professional tournaments.
Boards and Bags Terminology
Board: The playing surface of cornhole is called the board, which is typically made of plywood or a similar material. It is rectangular in shape and elevated off the ground and positioned at a slight angle.
Hole: Located towards the top center of the board, the hole is the main target in cornhole. Successfully tossing a bag through the hole scores the most points.
Bag: The bags used in cornhole are typically made of fabric and filled with corn or plastic pellets. A standard cornhole set consists of eight bags, four of one color or design and four of another. These bags are tossed alternately by the opposing teams.
Scoring and Gameplay Terms
Toss/shot: A toss or a shot refers to the act of throwing a bag towards the board during gameplay.
In the Count: Cornhole scoring uses a point system. When a bag lands and remains on the board at the end of a round, it is "in the count" for a point. These bags contribute to the final score.
Hole-in/Cornhole: A hole-in, also known as a "cornhole," occurs when a bag successfully goes through the hole, scoring the player/team the maximum points.
Woody: A bag that lands on the board but does not go through the hole is referred to as "woody." These bags still contribute points to the score, though less than a hole-in.
Slider: A bag that skids along the surface of the board, often sliding into the hole, is called a "slider." This term emphasizes the smoothness and accuracy of the throw.
Blocker: A blocker is a bag strategically thrown to obstruct or block the opponent's bag from scoring or going through the hole.
Gameplay Phrases and Strategies
Bagger: A skilled cornhole player who consistently tosses bags into the hole or near it is often referred to as a "bagger." This term highlights their accuracy and proficiency.
Four-Bagger: When a player successfully throws all four of their bags into the hole during a single round, it is called a "four-bagger." This achievement is rare and highly regarded in the game.
Shots
Airmail: A term borrowed from aviation, "airmail" refers to throwing a bag directly into the hole without touching the board. It is an impressive and high-risk maneuver that rewards the player with maximum points.
Go Around the World: A strategy used when the opponent's bag is blocking the hole, "going around the world involves attempting to land your bag on the board in such a way that it curves around the obstructing bag and enters the hole from the side. This requires precision and finesse to navigate around the obstacle and score valuable points.
Push Shot: The push shot is a technique used to push an opponent's bag into the hole in the interest of also having your bag land into the hole. There are different cornhole scenarios where this could be adventageous for maximizing your own score.
Slide Shot: The slide shot is a technique where a player aims to slide their bag along the surface of the board, nudging an opponent's bag into a less favorable position or creating a favorable setup for future shots.
Bully Shot: The bully shot is similar to the push shot but the bags do not land in the hole. The bully simply moves the opponent’s shot out of the way.
Here are a few links on how to throw bags: Techniques, Video
Roll Shot: This shot entails making the bag roll over the opponent’s bags or your own. This shot can be useful if there are a few bags piled up that won’t budge with a bully or push shot
Backdoor: When a bag slides into the hole from the backside of the board, it's referred to as a "backdoor." This unexpected shot can catch opponents off guard and earn valuable points.
Swiper: A "swiper" is a bag that knocks an opponent's bag off the board while sliding into a scoring position. This aggressive play can change the game dynamics and frustrate the opposing team.
Clank: When a bag hits the board but fails to stay on or go through the hole, it's called a "clank." This term is used to describe the sound the bag makes upon impact with the board.
Terminology for Game Situations
Points: Cornhole is scored using a point system. A bag that lands on the board but not in the hole (woody) earns one point, while a bag that goes through the hole (hole-in) earns three points. The points accumulated by each team are added up to determine the score for each round.
Skunk: When a team scores 21 points or more before their opponents have scored any points in a game, it is referred to as a "skunk." This term indicates a dominating victory.
Cancelled Bag: In corn toss scoring, if both teams have bags on the board that cancel each other out (e.g., both teams have one woody), those bags are considered "cancelled" and do not contribute to the score.
Wash: A "wash" occurs when both teams fail to score any points during a round. In such cases, the score remains unchanged, and the round is replayed.
Common Expressions and Slang
Swish: When a bag smoothly goes through the hole without touching the sides, it is referred to as a "swish." This term emphasizes the accuracy and elegance of the shot.
Cornhole Nation: The community of passionate cornhole players and enthusiasts is often called the "Cornhole Nation." It represents the collective love and dedication for the game.
Bag Drag: Bag drag refers to a situation where a bag lands on the board and drags another bag into a more favorable scoring position. It can be a fortunate outcome for the player.
Slick Side: Refers to the side of the board that is smoother, making it easier for bags to slide. Players often strategize to throw towards the slick side for optimal results.
Corn hall: A practice set up where you place the board in a narrow hallway and throw bags from an open room. The goal is to keep the back from hitting the walls of the hallway. This is a practice strategy employed by some players to narrow their throwing window to improve accuracy.
Embrace the Language
As with any sport or game, cornhole has its own unique language that adds to the enjoyment and competitiveness of the activity. Understanding the lingo used in cornhole allows players to communicate effectively, discuss strategies, and celebrate achievements. Whether you're a casual player or a serious competitor, familiarizing yourself with the terminology will enhance your experience and help you fully immerse yourself in the world of cornhole. So, the next time you gather with friends or participate in a cornhole tournament, you'll be able to confidently navigate the game's language and celebrate every woody, slider, and hole-in with a shared sense of camaraderie.
On a sidenote, we’d like to share that we have been included in Feedspot’s top 10 blogs about Cornhole list. Thank you Feedspot!
This post includes a curated list of some of the most common terms. Sources include the following resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornhole
https://allcornhole.com/pages/espn-cornhole-terminology
https://www.slickwoodys.com/blogs/cornhole-boards/a-glossary-of-cornhole-terms