The Definitive Guide to Jeep Terminology

Updated on Jan 11, 2024

Each community has its own slang and code; these subtleties are a right of passage into any club or group, whether that be your culture, neighborhood, or even your hobbies! Jeepers are no different; if anything, they’re even more involved!

Being a Jeep enthusiast isn’t just a hobby but a culture! And like any culture, Jeepers have devised their own form of communication–a language, if you will. It’s ripe with abbreviations, terms, and expressions, with several so niche, it can feel like they’re speaking an entirely different language altogether!

At RealTruck, we’re always here to educate, so sit down, settle in, and gear up for Jeep Lingo 101, the definitive guide to Jeep terminology!

Jeep Generational Codes

Before we tackle Jeep slang, let’s cover the academic basics; you wouldn’t jump into trigonometry without understanding basic math! Since the earliest Jeeps, including the MB and CJ, Jeep has employed generational codes to quickly and easily differentiate one model/generation from the next. These codes typically comprise two digits ending with J, though there are some exceptions to the rule. For a comprehensive guide, check out the chart below!

Code	Generation/Model
CJ	Civilian Jeeps (1955–1986)
YJ	Wrangler (1987–1995)
TJ	Wrangler (1997–2006)
LJ	Wrangler Unlimited (2003–2006)
JK	Wrangler (2007–2018)
JKU	Wrangler Unlimited (2007–2018)
JL	Wrangler (2018–Present)
JLU	Wrangler Unlimited (2018–Present)
JT	Gladiator (2020–Present)
XJ	Cherokee (1984–2001)
KJ	Liberty (2002–2007)
KK	Liberty (2008–2013)
KL	Cherokee (2014–Present)
ZJ	Grand Cherokee (1993–1998)
WJ	Grand Cherokee (1999–2004)
WK	Grand Cherokee (2005–2010)
WK2	Grand Cherokee (2010–2021)
WL	Grand Cherokee (2022–Present)
MK	Patriot (2007–Present)
XK	Commander (2006–2010)
MJ	Comanche (1986–1993)
VJ	Jeepster (1948–1950)
DJ	Dispatch or Delivery Jeep (1955–1985)
FC	Forward Control (1956–1964)
C101	Jeepster Commando (1966–1971)
C104	Jeep Commando (1972–1973)
SJ	Full size (1963–1992) (SJ Grand Wagoneer, SJ Cherokee, and SJ truck)

What Do These Codes Represent?

Oddly enough, nothing! Well, for the most part. A few select model codes are actual abbreviations–like the CJ (Civilian Jeep) and FC (Forward Control)–however, most are simply codes to identify the different generations. In either case, you’ll often find Jeepers referring to different Jeep models and generations by these codes, so you better whip up some flashcards!

Common Slang Terms and Phrases

In this section, we’re covering the popular slang terms, expressions, and colloquialisms in the Jeep world; however, with so many, we opted to break them into three separate categories: Off-road terms, parts, accessories, and crazes.

Off-Road Terms

Rig

A “Rig” refers to any Jeep or off-road vehicle that’s built to the gills, typically featuring a lift kit, aftermarket bumpers, off-road lights, aftermarket wheels and tires, and various other accessories that set it apart from daily drivers.

EX: “Hey man, nice rig!”

Wheeling

This term is a synonym for off-roading, commonly used by frequent trail goers.

EX: “Pack up your gear, it’s time to go wheeling!”

Articulation

Articulation refers to the flexibility of your Jeep’s suspension, specifically the up-and-down travel of one wheel in relation to the other on the opposite side of the axle. Articulation is key for off-roading, as it allows for maximum ground contact and, thus, maximum traction, even over the most challenging obstacles.

EX: “Check out the articulation on that TJ; it climbed all the way up the RTI ramp!”

Mudding/Bogging

These two terms are relatively synonymous; they refer to taking your Jeep through thick, deep, sludgy mud, similar to what’s found in a bog.

EX: “I ended up stuck while bogging; I needed to winch out.”

Line

This term refers to the particular path taken up an obstacle, often the best path for the most successful approach or departure.

EX: “Follow the same line that JK took, and you’ll get up the hill just fine.”

Spotter

A spotter is your second set of eyes, typically positioned outside of your Jeep on a challenging obstacle. This individual will guide you through challenging trail sections with directions and tips, ensuring a successful approach or departure.

EX: “Be careful on that next section; I’ll be your spotter.”

Yard Sale

This is a term that hopefully isn’t ever yelled toward your Jeep. It refers to a total loss, likely due to a rollover, collision, or submersion in water.

EX: “Did you see what happened to Tommy’s Jeep?”, “Yeah man, total yard sale!”

Swamped

On a similar note to a yard sale, swamped refers to your Jeep being nearly fully submerged in water after misjudging a water crossing or blasting through a watery mud hole.

EX: “I don’t know if my interior will ever be the same, it’s swamped!”

Parts and Accessories

Lockers

“Locker” or “lockers” is slang for locking differentials, a common addition to dedicated off-roading Jeeps to increase traction. Lockers tie your Jeep’s axle shafts together, ensuring you're constantly putting power to the ground.

EX: “Are you running lockers? Your Jeep made that hill look easy!”

Rims

This is a slang term for wheels, often used to describe something stylish and flashy.

EX: “Nice rims. Did you order them on RealTruck?”

Armor

This term is short for body armor, referring to sliders, heavy-duty bumpers, and any other protective addition to your Jeep’s body.

EX: “Thankfully, I had that armor, or else my rockers would be toast!”

Stock

A slang term referring to an unmodified Jeep equipped with OEM parts; often referred to as “bone-stock.”

EX: “Did you see that guy tackling the Rubicon in a stock JK? He’s crazy!”

Mod

This term is short for “modification,” referring to any change to your Jeep, whether that be aftermarket parts, decals, paintwork, or anything else that changes its factory appearance.

EX: “Did you see the new mod? LED headlights!”

Crazes and Phenomena

Jeep Ducking

Jeep Ducking is a recent craze sweeping the Jeep community, originally started by Jeeper Allison Parliament. This activity involves placing a rubber duck on a fellow Jeepers ride, often accompanied by a kind note, compliment, or the hashtags #jeepducking or #duckduckjeep. For more information, check out our article on Jeep Ducking!

The Jeep Wave

The Jeep Wave is a common phenomenon among Jeep owners and enthusiasts alike; it’s a sign of endearment consisting of a simple wave as you pass by another Jeeper on the road. There’s only one rule: if someone waves, wave back!

Jeep Stacking

Jeep Stacking is an odd phenomenon among Jeepers, typically “rigs.” These heavily modified Jeeps “stack” on one another’s tires, effectively using another Jeep as an RTI ramp. No one knows where it started, but it sure makes for an impressive photo!