Glossary – Essential Terms for Preppers
The Prepper Glossary: Essential terms that every prepper should know
If you are new to the concept of preparedness, or "prepping", and want to deepen your knowledge, this glossary is the perfect starting point. We have put together a comprehensive list of essential terms and acronyms that every prepper, from beginner to the most experienced, should know. Let's reveal some of the terms that make it up.
B
- Base – Refers to a safe location that allows for permanent occupation (with habitable conditions).
- Bug-in – The decision to stay at home, or in a base or safe location, during an emergency, rather than evacuating or "bugging out".
- Bug-out – The act of rapidly evacuating from your home, workplace or position in response to an imminent threat or disaster.
- BoB (Bug-out Bag) – A general term for an evacuation backpack that allows you to leave your comfort zone and survive until you reach a safe environment. This backpack is given different characteristics depending on the scenario and the objective, and the name may vary accordingly (Evacuation Backpack, 72hr Bag, GHB and GOOD).
- BOL (Bug-out Location) – A predetermined location or base to which preppers retreat after deciding to evacuate or "bug out".
- BOV (Bug Out Vehicle) – A vehicle prepared and equipped to enable a fast and safe evacuation in the event of an emergency or disaster. A BOV is chosen and modified for its reliability, load capacity and suitability for varied terrain.
C
- Cache – A hideout or store of supplies and equipment, usually buried or hidden, for use in emergency situations.
- Comms – Short for communications, referring to the methods and equipment used to keep in contact with other preppers or members of a community.
D
- Dakota Fire Pit – A type of fire that minimises smoke and emitted light while maximising heat, useful in survival situations where you do not want to be seen.
- DETRAN – Disasters, Emergencies and Disruptions, a term covering a wide range of adverse situations that preppers prepare for.
E
- EDC (Everyday Carry) – Essential personal items that a prepper carries daily to be ready for unexpected situations.
- EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) – A brief burst of electromagnetic energy that can damage or destroy electronic devices.
F
- Faraday – A structure, bag, pouch or container used to protect sensitive electronic devices against electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) or lightning.
G
- G.O.O.D (Get Out Of Dodge) – An action plan to quickly leave an area in the event of an imminent threat or dangerous situation.
- Grid Down – A situation where the electrical power infrastructure fails, resulting in a widespread lack of electricity.
- Grid Lock – Traffic congestion where continuous lines of vehicles block the flow of road networks, completely paralysing traffic.
H
- Ham Radio – Amateur radio used as a means of long-distance communication in situations where traditional communications fail.
I
- IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) – A system or process used to identify whether a person or group is friendly or hostile, important in security situations.
- INCH Bag (I'm Never Coming Home Bag) – A survival kit designed for scenarios where returning to the point of origin is no longer an option.
K
- Kits – A set of tools and supplies specific to a given category (e.g. Hygiene Kit, Fire Kit, Fishing Kit).
L
- LARPing (Live Action Role-Playing) – A term sometimes used disparagingly to describe preppers who focus more on fantasies of apocalyptic scenarios than on practical preparations.
- LSLF (Long Shelf Life Foods) – Foods with extended shelf life, essential for long-term storage in preparation for crises.
M
- Microgreens – Plants in their infant stage, which can be grown quickly in small spaces, ideal for food self-sufficiency in off-grid or urban environments.
- MilSim – Short for military-style simulation or training.
- MRE (Meal Ready-to-Eat) – A meal ready to eat without any preparation and with a long shelf life.
N
- NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) – A term referring to the threats of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and the need to prepare against such events.
- NODs (Night Observation Devices) – Night-vision devices used for observation or navigation in the dark, valuable for security and surveillance.
O
- OPSEC (Operational Security) – The practice of protecting important information to prevent it from being accessed by adversaries or competitors.
P
- Permaculture – A system of agricultural principles centred on simulating or directly using the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems.
R
- Rationing – The controlled distribution of scarce resources, a common practice in survival situations to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Retreat – A safe and well-equipped location, usually situated in a remote area, where preppers can take refuge in the event of a major catastrophe.
S
- Scav (Scavenging) – The practice of searching for useful resources in abandoned or post-disaster areas, an important skill in long-duration scenarios.
- Scout – The activity of exploring and mapping potential areas for hunting, fishing, camping or BOLs, ensuring knowledge of the terrain and available resources.
- SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) – An expression used to describe a catastrophic event that drastically alters the social or environmental order.
T
- Tactical – Tactical equipment, designed for combat or defence situations, including bulletproof vests, floodlights and multifunctional tools.
- TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It) – A term describing an apocalyptic or transformative event that fundamentally changes life on Earth.
U
- Urban Homesteading – The practice of growing food, raising animals and living in a more self-sufficient way within an urban environment.
V
- VOX (Voice Operated Exchange) – A radio feature that allows voice-activated transmission, useful in situations where hands-free use is required.
Y
- YOYO (You're On Your Own) – A term used to describe situations where individuals or groups must rely solely on themselves, without expecting outside help.
This glossary is just a starting point on the prepping journey. Each term opens up a new area of knowledge and skills to be explored. Preparedness is a continuous process, and being well informed is the first step to ensuring your own survival and that of your community or family in any situation. Keep deepening your knowledge, practising various skills, and expanding your kit, tools and survival methods.