who are non-car people and would love to understand what we are talking about. Today, I’ll be explaining a large variety of terms and other slang and jargon used in the car community and what they mean.
Ricer
This is a overused term, and most people who use it don’t even use it correctly. A ricer is someone who has a car that exhibits multiple traits that would classify it as “rice.” Rice stands for Racing Inspired Cosmetic Enhancement. Remember, there is a difference between an actual racing enhancement (like a well-done wing on the Viper ACR) and something that is just an inspired cosmetic mod. It doesn’t apply to a specific race or country; any person in any car can be a ricer.
Naturally Aspirated (NA)
NA stands for Naturally Aspirated, meaning the car doesn’t rely on forced induction (turbocharger or supercharger). People who NA tune vehicles mostly rely on intake, exhaust, and several engine modifications to make power. Benefits include easier maintenance, better reliability, and better throttle response.
Going to Mexico
This is a phrase used when we’re doing completely 100% guaranteed legal things. It’s a euphemism for street racing to avoid legal actions by implying it was done outside the jurisdiction of the US government.
Muscle
Muscle culture revolves around muscle and pony cars, which are American V8 rear-wheel drive front-engine cars. However, muscle cars don’t have to be American; they originated in America but can also be from Australia. Pony cars are a subset of muscles.
Tuners
A tuner car features a substantial amount of tuning and modification for performance. Most of the time, this term is used for Japanese and European cars. Highly modified American and Australian cars often end up in the muscle category.
Sleeper
Sleeper cars are all go and no show; they look normal but are actually quite fast. Sleeper culture emphasizes trolling street racers with surprisingly insane speed. Examples include Ford Taurus SHO, Chevrolet SS, and Volvo 850 R.
Blinker Fluid
This is a joke; it doesn’t exist. Car enthusiasts use it to confuse non-car enthusiasts and test their gullibility. No cars need this except BMWs (as a joke).
Muffler Bearings
Refer to the previous definition of “blinker fluid”; it’s another joke.
Fart Can
A fart can is a cheap part found at auto stores that teenagers think is a performance upgrade. Unlike axle-back or cat-back exhaust systems, most fart cans just replace the muffler and exhaust tip, and they sound terrible.
Four-Banger
This term is used for 4-cylinder engines. If you’re a non-car person, chances are your car is a four-banger. Don’t call it a V4; it’s an inline-4.
Hoonigan
The car community version of the word hooligan. A hoonigan behaves in a rude and aggressive way, especially driving dangerously, doing drifting, burnouts, drag racing, etc.
Hooptie
A hooptie is a car in horrible condition, literally falling apart.
Restomod
A restomod is a classic car with modern features like a more reliable engine and better interior equipment. The purpose is to maintain a balance between classic and modern, ensuring the parts used do not interrupt the charm and style of the original vehicle.
Donor Cars
A donor car provides parts for a project. Most donor cars are used for kit cars, but classic car owners also use them for restomods or replica cars.
Kit Cars
A kit car is built from the ground up using a kit purchased from a company. The builder starts with a naked chassis and has the freedom to use any powertrain, suspension, wheels, etc. Some kit cars rely on a donor car.
Replica Cars
A replica car is built on a donor car and emphasizes appearance over performance. They replicate something they are not, like turning a Toyota MR2 into a Ferrari 360. Replica cars are a taboo subject in the car community.
Conclusion
This video covers various car community terms and jargon. Share this video with your non-car friends so they can learn about these terms. As always, thanks for watching, and see you next time.
FAQs
Q1: What does “ricer” mean in the car community?
A1: A ricer is someone who has a car with Racing Inspired Cosmetic Enhancements. It doesn’t apply to a specific race or country; any person in any car can be a ricer.
Q2: What is a Naturally Aspirated (NA) vehicle?
A2: An NA vehicle doesn’t rely on forced induction like a turbocharger or supercharger. It relies on intake, exhaust, and engine modifications for power.
Q3: What does “Going to Mexico” mean in the car community?
A3: It’s a euphemism for street racing, used to imply the action was done outside the jurisdiction of the US government.
Q4: What is a “sleeper” car?
A4: A sleeper car looks normal but is actually quite fast, surprising other drivers with its performance.
Q5: What is a restomod?
A5: A restomod is a classic car with modern features to maintain a balance between classic and modern, ensuring the charm and style of the original vehicle are preserved.