Tag Archives: Survival Terms

The Basics

Survivalist Terminology

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Survivalist regularly use acronyms and other expression or terms that might be confusing if you are unfamiliar. Here are the most Survivalcommon survivalist terms and acronyms:

  • Alpha strategy: Storing extra consumable items for the future use of barter.
  • Ballistic wampum: Storage of weapons and ammunition for barter purposes.
  • BOB: Bug-out bag.
  • BOL: Bug-out location.
  • BOV: Bug-out vehicle.
  • Doomer: Normally used a derogatory term for someone who believes that a complete societal collapse will happen soon.
  • EDC: Everyday carry. Someone who carries [a fire arm] regularly.
  • EOTW: End of the world
  • G.O.O.D. kit: Get out of Dodge kit. Synonymous with bug-out bag (BOB).
  • Pollyanna or Polly: Someone who is in denial about the disruption that might be caused by the advent of a large scale disaster.
  • Prepper: A synonym for survivalist that came into common usage during the late 1990s. Used interchangeably with survivalist much as retreater was in the 1970s. Refers to one who is prepared or making preparations.
  • SHTF: Shit hits the fan. A term used generically by survivalists to describe disaster situations.
  • TEOTWAWKI: The end of the world as we know it.
  • WTSHTF: When the shit hits the fan. A term used generically by survivalists to describe disaster situations.
  • WROL: Without rule of law. Used to describes a lawless state of society.