Fortnite has revolutionized the gaming landscape through its dynamic gameplay and by fostering a unique lexicon that resonates within its community. Understanding this specialized vocabulary is crucial for effective communication and strategic gameplay for newcomers and seasoned players alike. This guide delves into the essential Fortnite terms and Fortnite terminology, providing clarity on the language that defines the game.​

Fortnite terms and Fortnite terminology

1v1 (One versus One)
A direct confrontation between two players is often used to settle disputes or showcase individual skills.​

1×1 (One by One)
A fundamental building technique where a player constructs a small, box-like structure for defense or strategic positioning.​Videogame Guides+1Polygon+1

90s
A rapid building maneuver involving quick 90-degree turns to gain vertical advantage over opponents. Mastery of “90s” is indicative of advanced building skills.​ Videogame Guides+1Dot Esports+1

ADS (Aim Down Sights)
The action of zooming in with a weapon for increased accuracy. Certain character skins may impact the field of view during ADS.​

AFK (Away From Keyboard)
Denotes a player who is temporarily inactive or unresponsive during gameplay.​ Fortnite Wiki

Aimbot
A term for unauthorized software that assists in aiming, providing an unfair advantage. Usage is considered cheating and is subject to penalties.​

Bait
A strategy where a player lures an opponent into a trap or disadvantageous position.​

Battle Bus
The in-game vehicle transports players over the map at the beginning of each match, from which they deploy to their chosen landing spots.​

Big Pot
Slang for a Shield Potion that grants 50 shield points.​

Box
Refers to a defensive structure, typically a 1×1 box, constructed to shield a player from enemy fire or to heal safely.​

Box Fight
A close-quarters combat scenario where players engage in battles within confined, built structures, emphasizing quick edits and shotgun usage.​

Build Fight
An intense engagement where players rapidly construct structures while fighting, aiming to outbuild and outmaneuver their opponent.​

Cracked
Describes a player exhibiting exceptional skill or a shield being broken during combat. Context determines its specific meaning.​

Edit
The act of modifying built structures to create windows, doors, or other openings, allowing for strategic movement or shooting angles.​

High Ground
A tactical position above opponents, offering a strategic advantage in visibility and shooting angles.​

Knocked
Refers to a player being downed but not eliminated, requiring revival by teammates.​

Low Ground
The position below opponents is generally considered disadvantageous due to limited visibility and vulnerability.​

Matts (Materials)
Resources collected in-game (wood, stone, metal) are used for building structures. Efficient material management is vital for survival.​

One Pump
Eliminating an opponent with a single shotgun shot, typically from a powerful weapon like the Pump Shotgun.​

Peek
The action of briefly exposing oneself from cover to take a shot at an opponent requires precise timing to avoid counterattacks.​

Shield
An additional layer of protection beyond health, absorbable through items like Shield Potions and Mini Shields.​

Storm
The encroaching game boundary deals damage to players outside the safe zone, forcing movement and strategic positioning.​

Third-Party
When an external player or team intervenes in an ongoing fight between two others, often to capitalize on weakened opponents.​

Tilted
Originally referring to “Tilted Towers,” a popular landing spot; colloquially, it describes a state of frustration affecting gameplay performance.​

W-Key
A term denoting aggressive playstyles, derived from the default forward movement key on PC. Players who “W-Key” are known for relentless pushing.​

Fortnite Terms: Communication & Team Coordination in Battle Royale

Beyond individual mechanics and building strategies, Fortnite thrives on team communication and quick decision-making, which is where slang and in-game terms become essential. In squads, trios, or duos, players often communicate using short, tactical phrases that allow for faster reactions and clearer coordination. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most widely used Fortnite terms that influence how teams collaborate under pressure.

Callouts
A callout is a quick, verbal cue to inform teammates of an enemy’s location, loot, rotation, or incoming danger. Good callouts are short and precise—like “two on me” or “sniper north tower”—to minimize distraction and maximize response time.

Clutch
This term refers to a moment when a player wins a fight or round despite overwhelming odds, usually alone. For example, “He clutched the 1v3” means a solo player defeated three enemies, potentially turning the game around.

Comp (Competitive)
Short for “competitive,” often used to describe high-level or tournament-style gameplay. A “comp player” is someone who plays Fortnite at a professional or semi-professional level, often with advanced game sense and mechanics.

Dead Side Rotation
A rotation strategy where players move around the edge of the map or zone to avoid other teams, reducing the chance of engagement. Understanding when and how to rotate dead side is a key competitive skill.

Full Send
A phrase used when a player or team commits fully to an action, usually an aggressive push. Saying “Let’s full send” means you’re going all in, no backing out. It’s a high-risk, high-reward mentality.

Frying
This term describes someone who is dominating a match or hitting all their shots—e.g., “He’s frying right now.” It’s a positive expression, celebrating precision and consistent eliminations.

Gatekeeping
A strategy where one team waits just inside the safe zone to eliminate players trying to rotate in from the storm. It’s especially common in late-game zones, where resources are scarce and positioning is critical.

IGL (In-Game Leader)
The person in a squad who makes shot calls, directs rotations, and often takes the lead in decision-making. IGLs are typically experienced players who manage both macro and micro aspects of gameplay.

Lasered
When a player takes an overwhelming amount of damage in a short time, usually from an SMG or AR. “I got lasered” means you were hit hard, often before you could react or build defensively.

Mini
Short for “Mini Shield,” a small shield potion that provides 25 shield per use. Players usually carry minis because they’re stackable and quick to use during fights.

One Shot
A callout used when an enemy is low on health—often literally one shot away from elimination. Saying “He’s one shot!” alerts your teammates to press aggressively for the finish.

Rez / Res
Short for “revive,” this refers to picking up a downed teammate. A typical call might be “Can you rez me?” or “Safe to res behind the wall.”

Stacked Lobby
Describes a game with a lot of highly skilled players still alive into the late-game. These lobbies are common in scrims or competitive formats, where surviving the storm and rotating efficiently are more difficult.

Understanding and using these Fortnite terminology elements elevates your team communication, especially in high-pressure scenarios. Whether you’re trying to take high ground, rotate safely, or call out enemies, mastering these phrases can significantly impact your success in a match.

FAQ – Fortnite Slang & Terminology