Although we usually try to keep our writing on The Brothers Brick accessible to everyone, LEGO jargon inevitably sneaks in. This page works like a dictionary and lists the LEGO terms you’re most likely to encounter here on The Brothers Brick, and is not intended to be exhaustive.

Sigfig Short for Signature Minifig. The minifigure version of a LEGO fan that he or she uses in online communities as an avatar. Sigfigs may or may not resemble the person physically, as LEGO fans used to interacting with each other online often discover at LEGO conventions. SNOT Studs Not On Top. A building technique that places LEGO elements on their sides or even upside down to achieve the shape or structure the builder wants in their creation. STAMP Sticker Across Multiple Pieces. A dreaded situation where a set’s instructions require a sticker to be placed across several pieces, ensuring the pieces can never be separated without ruining the sticker. Stud The distinct cylindrical bump or knob on the surface of LEGO bricks which fits inside an anti-stud and serves as one half of the mechanism by which pieces interlock. Studs are frequently used as a unit of measurement: e.g. a model is 40 studs long. See also: Anti-stud Studless A building style in which visible studs are minimized or, ideally, eliminated. Usually accomplished by a combination of tiles and SNOT techniques. Swooshable A quality that allows a LEGO creation to be picked up and flown around a room as the builder makes flying and/or shooting noises. Tablescrap A small, clever build that doesn’t stand alone as a completed creation. From “table scraps,” i.e. leftovers. A tablescrap may be a simple exploration of a technique (such as an interesting way to combine several elements to make an odd shape), or may be a recognizable item that’s just too small to merit presentation on its own (such as a minifigure chair). Many builders set aside their tablescraps and save them for use in future creations. TBB The Brothers Brick. You are here. TFOL Teen Fan of LEGO. LEGO fans who may be past the primary target demographic for LEGO sets, and who are likely avoiding their Dark Ages Tile Any LEGO plate which is devoid of all or most studs, giving it a smooth upper surface. TLC The LEGO Company. See TLG. TLG The LEGO Group. The family-owned parent company for all LEGO-related brands and companies worldwide. Travis Brick A modified 1×1 brick with studs on 4 sides. Named for Travis Kunce, a deceased fan who was known for his enthusiasm for the piece. Part number 4733. A common piece used in SNOT building. TRU Toys ‘R’ Us, a now-defunct brick-and-mortar toy retailer. Though roundly criticized by LEGO fans for inflated prices, Toys ‘R’ Us frequently had LEGO sets earlier than any other retailer (including LEGO) as well as a broader selection than most. See also: MSRP UCS Ultimate Collector Series. An irregular series of large LEGO Star Wars sets designed for older builders, often in large scale. Frequently used as a scale reference for LEGO fan creations that are larger than minifig scale, though some sets bearing the UCS moniker are minifig scale. Vignette or Vig A small LEGO scene, traditionally built on a base 8 studs long by 8 studs wide. Usually depicts a single, frozen moment in time with a narrow focus. Contrast with Bignette and Diorama.