An Introduction to Hot Rod Terminology and Slang

As you will find in any subculture, the hot rod scene has aquired an unique glossary of slang and terminology. Over the years, the names of cars, parts, techniques, and cultural phenomenon of the hot rod scene have morphed into new terms that differentiate themselves from mainstream terminology.

A basic grasp of the jargon and slang in the hot rod scene is useful when searching for cars and parts. Below is a brief introductory list of some common terms you will see and hear tossed around when researching cars to buy or on any hot rod forum.

  • Bored and Stroked: The cylinder bore has been increased, and the stroke of the piston has been lengthened by modifying the crankshaft.

  • CID: Cubic Inch Displacement. The amount of volume compressed by the pistons in the engine.

  • Chopped: A car with a roof that has been lowered.

  • Deuce Coupe: 1932 Ford Model-B coupe. This was the choice hot rod of the 1940s and remains popular to this day. A three-window deuce coupe is more rare than the five-window.

  • EFI: Stands for Electronic Fuel Injection. Replaced traditional carburetor.

  • Flathead: Generally, a reference to the Ford V-8 in production from 1932 to 1953, but can mean any engine with the valves inside the engine block instead of the head.

  • French: Any recessed body work, but most often the headlights.

  • Gearbox: The transmission.

  • Hemi: A high-performance engine with hemispherical heads made most famously by Chrysler.

  • Nail Head: 1950s Buick engine so called because the small valves looked like nails.

  • N.O.S: New Old Stock. Parts that come from the original manufacturer and in new condition.

  • Ported: To polish and enlarge the intake and exhaust ports in the engine to increase flow.

  • Raked: A hot rod that leans forward either by lowering the front or lowering the back.

  • Stove Bolt: A hot rod running a Chevy straight inline six-cylinder engine. The bolts holding the cylinder head down look like those on wood burning stoves.

  • Supercharger: A device that forces air into the engine and increases the atmospheric pressure.

  • Tri-Five: Iconic Chevrolet cars and trucks manufactured between 1955-57. First models with the famous small-block V-8.

  • T-Bucket: A Ford Model-T body used to create a hot rod.

  • Uncorked: A hot rod that is run without mufflers.

  • Woodie: A station wagon where the rear body is wood paneling.


Check out these glossaries to further increase your hot rod vocabulary:

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