Ice Hockey Lingo: Pigeons, Flamingos, and Other Teammate Insults

Providence College executive vice president and chief operating officer Thomas More Garrett uses a specific set of animal metaphors to describe the state of play in men's ice hockey.

In a recent article, Garrett, who serves as chaplain for the team, defines a "pigeon" as a player who lacks speed and direction. He describes pigeons as individuals who are "phoning it in" and quitting quietly. This term is considered a pejorative, and players generally avoid being associated with it.

Garrett notes that a pigeon is not the lowest tier of player in his hierarchy. The "flamingo" is considered inferior because the player lifts one leg when facing a speeding puck. Garrett calls this leg elevation the instinctive sign of a timid soul. He advises that if a child displays this trait, they should take ballet instead of playing hockey.

Flamingos are at risk of becoming "dusters." Garrett defines a duster as a player who receives minimal playing time. While a duster might be included in the celebration after a goal, they are excluded from chaotic games. Even after a goal celebration, a duster remains a "hoser," a term for an unskilled or losing player.

If a player stays in pigeon mode, they risk being involved in a "yard sale." This occurs when a player is hit so hard that they leave their helmet and leg pads on the ice. Garrett expresses relief when the score remains 0-0, which he refers to as the game still being an "egg." He praises defenders who shoot the puck into the top corner of the net as "top cheddar."

The goal sequence in the sport involves an assist, a pass, and a goal. Garrett calls these elements apple, biscuit, and gino respectively. A player who maneuvers the puck skillfully around a defender performs a "dangle." If a player is penalized, they go to the sin bin. Garrett states that his wingers and he are not having a picnic on their current shift, signaling a need for a line change.

The article includes a glossary that defines these terms for readers unfamiliar with the sport. A clapper is a slapshot. A sieve is a goaltender who allows many goals. A celly is the celebration following a goal. A gong show is a chaotic, out-of-control game. The blueliners are the defenders. The biscuit is the puck. The bucket is the helmet. The pillows are the leg pads. The wingers are the forwards who play along the outer sides of the rink. The sin bin is the penalty box.