Graffiti Glossary

Speak the Streets

Street art and graffiti come with their own language. Coded, creative, & constantly evolving. Whether you’re new to the scene or just want to learn the lingo, here’s a curated glossary of graffiti terms.

Tag

Definition: A graffiti writer’s basic signature, often done quickly

Example: Seen on utility boxes, doorframes, or mailboxes—like “GO 413” in sharp markal sketches all over the city

Throw-Up (Throwie)

Definition: A quick, bubble-lettered name or moniker. Usually one or two colors with fast fills.

Example:

Piece (Short for “Masterpiece”)

Definition: A large, more elaborate graffiti artwork. Full color, often with characters or complex letters.

Example: Geser 3a

Wildstyle

Definition: An intricate, hard-to-read style of lettering with arrows, curves, and interlocking shapes.

Example: Saber MSK

Buff

Definition: When graffiti is painted over or erased by the city, property owners, or other artists.

Example:

Heaven Spot

Definition: High-risk, hard-to-reach spots like rooftops, billboards, or highway signs. Often done for visibility and bragging rights.

Example:

Stencil

Definition: A pre-cut design sprayed onto a surface for clean, repeatable shapes or messages.

Example: Think Banksy

Stickers (Slaps)

Definition: Stickers tagged with a writer’s name, image, or phrase. Often printed or hand-drawn.

Example:

Bombing

Definition: Covering an area with multiple tags or throw-ups quickly, usually illegally.

Example:

Crew

Definition: A group of graffiti writers who often tag together & share a name or abbreviation.

Example:

Ghost / Ghost Tag

Definition: A faded or buffed-out tag that’s still faintly visible underneath paint.

Example:

Yard

Definition: A spot where graffiti is frequently done—train yards, abandoned lots, back alleys.

Example: “Walking into an Art Gallery” is a good example of a graffiti yard. Tons of walls & even more gallons of paint

Want More?

Let me know if you’ve seen a tag, style, or term you don’t understand! I’ll add it here. Graffiti is always evolving, & this glossary will grow with the streets.