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AFOL

Adult Fan of LEGO®. An adult who enjoys building with or collecting LEGO® sets and elements.

Baseplate

The foundation. A broad, thin surface with studs, often the starting point for a scene.

Brick

The classic piece. A building element, usually rectangular, that connects to other pieces.

Dark ages

Time away from the hobby. The years when building took a back seat to other things.

Element

A single piece. The general name for one building part, whatever its shape or job.

LUG

LEGO® User Group. A community of fans who build, collect and exhibit together. A LUG isn’t automatically a recognised group.

Minifigure

A small character with a big personality. The poseable figure in many LEGO® sets. Often just “minifig”.

MOC

My Own Creation. An original model designed by a fan, not built from a set’s instructions.

Plate

The thin one. A third of the height of a brick. Three plates stack to one brick.

RLUG

Recognised LEGO® User Group. A fan group formally recognised by the LEGO Group. ECLug is working towards this.

Sigfig

Signature minifigure. The minifig a builder uses to represent themselves.

SNOT

Studs Not On Top. Techniques that turn studs sideways or upside down, opening up new shapes and textures.

Stud

The bump on top. The small cylinder on many elements that lets pieces connect.

Technic

Building that moves. The LEGO® system of beams, pins, axles and gears for working mechanisms.

Tile

The smooth finish. An element with a flat top, used for floors, lettering and clean details.

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Adapted from The Brothers Brick. See more at brothers-brick.com/lego-glossary.