Prepper Glossary
Glossary of terms
As I venture into the world of prepping as a complete beginner I very quickly found that I was slightly overwhelmed by the terms and acronyms used by preppers and survivalists. So first step was to put them down in a prepper glossary so I can refer back to when needed.
You’ll notice MANY of the terms are acronyms – which I have found there are lots. It’s a work in progress so if you have any to add, feel free to let me know and I’ll add to the list.
Prepper – A Prepper is someone who prepares for unusual, life changing events and/or catastrophes. By preparing for these scenarios it gives the prepper peace of mind for themselves and their family. The level of involvement and passion in the prepper lifestyle may vary but inevitably they strive in the aim to live off the grid and be self-sufficient.
The Urban dictionary defines prepper:
P-repare for any natural or man made disaster.
R-espond without fear.
E-valuate every possible scenario.
P-ack like you won’t have supplies for a year.
P-lan for the unexpected.
E-nvision a happy outcome.
R-emember to always have hope!
SHTF – Shit Hits The Fan …. essentially when there’s an event that causes mass chaos and action needs to be taken.
Bugging out – Moving to a safer location when you are faced with danger and uncertain circumstances at home.
Bugging in – conversely this is hunkering down and staying put as opposed to risking any form of travel o exposure.
BOB – Bug out bag. Probably the most discussed thing in prepping circles. What do you have in yours – here’s what’s in mine is super common.
BOL – Bug out location. Where you would go to get away and be safe when there is a society altering event.
BOV – Bug out vehicle. Self explanatory really but a vehicle you have ready to use when disaster strikes. There is often lots of planning that goes into the preparation of such vehicles it can carry lots of vital survival equipment and vital supplies.
TEOTWAWKI – the end of the world as we know it – The credit for this acronym goes to James Wesley Rawles where he 1st coined the term in his book ”How to Survive the End of the World as We Know it”. The term has become extremely popular amongst preppers as a way of saying the worst has happened and current society is gone.
EDC – Every day carry. This often refers to a gun or knife, something that you always have on you wherever you go.
EMP – Electro magnetic pulse. Basically an invisible force that can destroy electrical devices. Wikipedia explains it best here.
MRE – Meals ready to eat. Use by the US Military they are meals that are single portioned, lightweight and designed to be able to be consumed without the aid of any cooking facilities.
Sheeple – People herded like sheep by the Government. These people don’t question authority, they don’t prepare and are considered the first to perish in the event of a disaster.
WROL – Without rule of law.
INCH – I’m not coming home. Often used to categorize gear used for this circumstance. For eg an INCH tent
SIP -Shelter in place.
MSM – Main stream media
ELE – Extinction level event. Just as nasty as it sounds – an event that threatens the continuation of the human species.
YOYO – You’re on your own.
SOP – Standard operating procedure.
LBE – load bearing equipment, eg specialist rucksacks that utilize being able to carry heavy loads
