Chick-isms

In my opinion, Chick Hearn is the greatest pro basketball announcer ever, and he was voted California's sports-caster of the year in February 1995. He had a streak of calling 3,338 consecutive Lakers games, between Nov. 21, 1965 and December 16, 2001. His 3000th consecutive game was Jan 19, 1998.

Here is a biography from the LA Times

In the '50s he was the local sportscaster in Peoria, Illinois, and was the voice of Bradley University and the Peoria Caterpillars. Born Francis Dayle Hearn, the Aurora, Ill., native began his Lakers broadcasting career in 1961.

He has invented many descriptive phrases, called Chick-isms. Also, Chick was the first to describe the distance of a shot in feet. Here is a list and definition for many of them.



Tribute Sites

Game Descriptions

Air ball

A shot that misses everything.





A shot that misses everything. Air mail special

A shot that is fly-swatted right back at the shooter.







A shot that is right back at the shooter. Attacking 47 feet (of this 94x50 hunk of wood)

The front-court, the offensive zone.





(of this The front-court, the offensive zone. Baby hook (or Jr Jr Skyhook)

Magic's hook shot.





Magic's hook shot. Bob and Weave

Elgin Baylor moving.





Elgin Baylor moving. Boo birds

Fans who boo their own team when they play badly.





Fans who boo their own team when they play badly. (Call it with) Braille

An easy call for an official, e.g. a blatant foul.







An easy call for an official, e.g. a blatant foul. Building a House

When a player tosses up a series of "bricks" during the course of a game.





When a player tosses up a series of "bricks" during the course of a game. Bunny hop (in the pea patch)

Traveling, (in the lane).







Traveling, (in the lane). Camping in the lane

A player who spends a lot of time in the lane without getting called for a three-second violation.





A player who spends a lot of time in the lane without getting called for a three-second violation. Can't throw a pea in the ocean

This team is shooting horribly.







This team is shooting horribly. Can't throw a pie in an oven

Somebody made a bad pass.





Somebody made a bad pass. Caught with his hand in the cookie jar

Reaching in, got called for a foul.





Reaching in, got called for a foul. Charity Stripe

Free-throw line.





Free-throw line. Chicken Stew (Chick & Stu)

Used whenever somebody else is eating well as in "down in the clubhouse they're eating Mrs. Johnson's home cooking... up here we've got Chicken Stew"





(Chick & Stu) Used whenever somebody else is eating well as in "down in the clubhouse they're eating Mrs. Johnson's home cooking... up here we've got Chicken Stew" (He's) colder than a delicatessen turkey.

A player or team is shooting really badly.







A player or team is shooting really badly. Combing their hair

When the team isn't hustling, they are standing around under the basket combing their hair





When the team isn't hustling, they are Coop-a-loop

Alley-oop to Michael Cooper.





Alley-oop to Michael Cooper. Corkscrew

A shot where a player spins while going up to take the shot.





A shot where a player spins while going up to take the shot. Cosmetic Call

Also called a Makeup call , a questionable call by the referee to even out a previous questionable call that went the other way.





Also called a , a questionable call by the referee to even out a previous questionable call that went the other way. (He) Could shower in a rifle barrel.

Used to describe a player who's real thin.





Used to describe a player who's real thin. (He) Couldn't guard his suitcase at the train station.

A player is really doing a poor job defending another player.





A player is really doing a poor job defending another player. (Got em') covered like a rug on your floor

Really close, tight defense.





Really close, tight defense. (It'll) Count if it goes... it goes! (it doesn't go)

A player is fouled in the act of shooting... and makes the shot. A player gets off the shot before time expires.







A player is fouled in the act of shooting... and makes the shot. A player gets off the shot before time expires. Daylight in the pivot

Meaning there can be no hand checking inside the free throw lane.





Meaning there can be no hand checking inside the free throw lane. Defense on vacation

Very bad defense, as if they weren't even there.





Very bad defense, as if they weren't even there. Didn't draw iron

A shot which misses the rim, but hits the backboard.





A shot which misses the rim, but hits the backboard. Dime Store Score

10 to 5.







10 to 5. Don Nelson Shot

The shot hits the heel of the rim, bounces straight up and then goes in. Don Nelson beat the Lakers in 1969 at the end of game 7 this way.





The shot hits the heel of the rim, bounces straight up and then goes in. Don Nelson beat the Lakers in 1969 at the end of game 7 this way. Does he travel?-no Does he pump fake and score ?-Yes

When a shooter appears to travel during a pump fake move to scoring a basket.





When a shooter appears to travel during a pump fake move to scoring a basket. Don't Hurt No More

When the trainer is attending to a hurt player, he sprays some " Don't Hurt No More " on the area to deaden the pain.





When the trainer is attending to a hurt player, he sprays some " " on the area to deaden the pain. Dribble Drive

Drive to the basket while dribbling.







Drive to the basket while dribbling. Elevator

A player goes up high to take a shot. The call is like West drives left,stops, fakes, has Frazier on the elevator... Frazier off at three, West off at five........ score it!





A player goes up high to take a shot. The call is like Faked the floperoo

An attempt by a defender to draw a charging foul, usually one which is disdained by the refs.





An attempt by a defender to draw a charging foul, usually one which is disdained by the refs. Fallaway bank

Named after a shot Wilt used to shoot early in his career.





Named after a shot Wilt used to shoot early in his career. Finger roll

A shot where the ball rolls off the shooter's fingers.





A shot where the ball rolls off the shooter's fingers. Fly-swatted

A shot blocked with a lot of force and authority.







A shot blocked with a lot of force and authority. Football Score

A score commonly found in football, 14-7, 21-14, etc.





A score commonly found in football, 14-7, 21-14, etc. Four Point Switch

One team misses an easy layup, and the other team rebounds and scores quickly.





One team misses an easy layup, and the other team rebounds and scores quickly. Frozen rope

A shot with a very flat trajectory.







A shot with a very flat trajectory. Garbage play

A player picks up a loose ball that luckily is close by and has an easy shot.





A player picks up a loose ball that luckily is close by and has an easy shot. Garbage time

The remainder of the game, after it's in the refrigerator .





The remainder of the game, after it's . Give & go

Give the ball to a team-mate & cut to the basket.





Give the ball to a team-mate & cut to the basket. (The) good lord and four disciples couldn't beat the Lakers tonight.

The Lakers are playing unbelievibly well.





The Lakers are playing unbelievibly well. (Cazzie's) goin' to the bank again!

For Cazzie Russell, who had a great bank-shot.





For Cazzie Russell, who had a great bank-shot. Going to the southern goal to our right.

Going left to right across your radio dial.

Chick is telling you the direction the team is bringing the ball into the attacking 47 feet of this 94x50 hunk of wood.





Chick is telling you the direction the team is bringing the ball into the of this (He) got off on the 20th floor, but the ball got off on the 10th floor

when someone goes up for a slam on the fly and loses the ball.





when someone goes up for a slam on the fly and loses the ball. Hands it off like a T-formation quarterback

Just like it says, one player hands the ball to the other.





Just like it says, one player hands the ball to the other. Hanging out to dry

(prefaced by "so and so left him") When someone fakes a defender out of his shoes. Not quite as severe as in the popcorn machine.





(prefaced by "so and so left him") When someone fakes a defender out of his shoes. Not quite as severe as Hangs in the air

Used to describe hanging shots by Elgin Baylor, Michael Jordan, Dr. J., etc.





Used to describe hanging shots by Elgin Baylor, Michael Jordan, Dr. J., etc. Hard had and lunch pail

Used to described a hard-working player.





Used to described a hard-working player. (In & out,) Heart-brrrreak!

A shot that appears to go in, but rattles off the rim & misses.







A shot that appears to go in, but rattles off the rim & misses. He could be defender of the year - if everyone else dies.

A terrible defensive player.





A terrible defensive player. He has two choices, slim and none (and Slim just left town).

The player has no chance of success with this play.





The player has no chance of success with this play. He's human after all.

When a player is on a streak and finally misses.





When a player is on a streak and finally misses. He picked his man up at the bus station.

Someone was playing really tight defense on his assigned man.





Someone was playing really tight defense on his assigned man. He's not a happy camper.

A bad call was made and a player got upset.





A bad call was made and a player got upset. He shot that from way out yonder.

A real long 3-point shot attempt.





A real long 3-point shot attempt. He thought he made it and so did I.

When someone shoots a good looking shot, but it misses.





When someone shoots a good looking shot, but it misses. High arch

A very arching shot, the opposite of a frozen rope .





A very arching shot, the opposite of a . High School Hideout

A player who is cherry-picking (waiting around mid-court for a break-away).





A player who is cherry-picking (waiting around mid-court for a break-away). Hippity-hop dribble

Dribbling the ball, while running with a hip-hop step.





Dribbling the ball, while running with a hip-hop step. (The mustard's off the) Hot-dog

A player attempts an unnecessarily showy, flashy play which ends up in a turnover or is otherwise unsuccessful.







A player attempts an unnecessarily showy, flashy play which ends up in a turnover or is otherwise unsuccessful. If he hit his wife that hard, she wouldn't even call the police.

See ticky-tack





See If that comes down it's a "T".

When a player slams the ball on the ground after a call he didn't like.





When a player slams the ball on the ground after a call he didn't like. If that goes in, I'm walking home.

Similar to a prayer , when the opponent shoots a shot that is a prayer, a streak, or some amazing shot. (Usually on the road)





Similar to a , when the opponent shoots a shot that is a prayer, a streak, or some amazing shot. (Usually on the road) If there's really 18,000 here tonight, a lot of them are dressed like seats.

When the attendance is announced, but a lot of the fans have stayed home.





When the attendance is announced, but a lot of the fans have stayed home. If you are just tuning in, I am not a jockey.

Coming back to TV after a commercial break, he would be standing next to a tall player he would interview.





Coming back to TV after a commercial break, he would be standing next to a tall player he would interview. Jr Jr Skyhook

Magic's hook shot. Most famous shot was in 1987 finals vs Boston.







Magic's hook shot. Most famous shot was in 1987 finals vs Boston. Jumped so high, his head came down wet

A player jumped really high, like into the clouds.







A player jumped really high, like into the clouds. Kamakaze steal

When a player over-commits trying to intercept a pass, and gets burned. Or goes down the smokestack.





When a player over-commits trying to intercept a pass, and gets burned. Or Keys on the piano keyboard

When the score is tied at 88, the number of keys on a piano.





When the score is tied at 88, the number of keys on a piano. (He) Kicked him in the wallet...and he's got a thick wallet!

Kicked him in the rear, and he's well-paid.





Kicked him in the rear, and he's well-paid. King Kong on a ladder

When the pass or shot is very high and out of reach .





When the pass or shot is very high and out of reach Leaping leana

A leaping shot in the lane, falling toward the basket.





A leaping shot in the lane, falling toward the basket. (They're )like refried beans on the stove--they're always hot.

This team is on a roll.





This team is on a roll. Lots of referees in the building (, only 3 getting paid.)

The fans in the crowd are booing a call that they disagree with. They are acting as if they are the refs.





The fans in the crowd are booing a call that they disagree with. They are acting as if they are the refs. Matador defense

Poor defense in which the lane opens up for a driving player like a matador pulling his cape out of the way of a charging bull.





Poor defense in which the lane opens up for a driving player like a matador pulling his cape out of the way of a charging bull. (Like a) Motorcycle in a motordrome (velodrome)

When the ball spins around the rim several times before going in or rimming out.





When the ball spins around the rim several times before going in or rimming out. My grandmother could guard him, and she can't go to her left

someone who wasn't playing good defense





someone who wasn't playing good defense My grandmother could have made that shot

A real easy shot that was missed, similar to can't throw a pea in the ocean .





A real easy shot that was missed, similar to . Nailed to the floor

A player drives past a defender who does not move at all.





A player drives past a defender who does not move at all. Nervous time

When the game's in the pressure cooker.







When the game's Next time he should bring his luggage

When an obvious traveling violation is called and then argued by the violator.





When an obvious traveling violation is called and then argued by the violator. 94x50 hunk of wood

The dimensions of a basketball court.





The dimensions of a basketball court. No harm, no foul (, no blood, no ambulance)

A non-call by an official when significant contact has occurred.





A non-call by an official when significant contact has occurred. No-look pass

A pass made to another player without looking at him.







A pass made to another player without looking at him. Not Phi-beta-kappa

Not a smart play.





Not a smart play. Number two stall in the barn

Second to the innermost slot along the key during a free-throw.







Second to the innermost slot along the key during a free-throw. On him like a postage stamp

Very close tight defense.





Very close tight defense. Picked his pocket

A steal so quick the victim didn't even see it happen.





A steal so quick the victim didn't even see it happen. Picks the garbage (and put it in the trashcan)

A player picks up a loose ball that luckily is close by and has an easy shot.





A player picks up a loose ball that luckily is close by and has an easy shot. Popcorn machine When a player is faked out badly, he's put in the popcorn machine, which is so far off the court and out of the play. A defender jumps to block a faked shot, he gets faked so far out of the play, (the popcorn machine in the lobby) leaving the resulting shot wide open. There was actually a popcorn machine near the goal posts in the Sports Arena, hence the reference. A defender who is so faked out he's bouncing up and down trying to block the shot, like a kernel popping in a popcorn machine.







(In the) Pressure cooker

A situation when the game is in the balance; e.g. a player at the free throw line, his team down, 30 seconds left, etc....





A situation when the game is in the balance; e.g. a player at the free throw line, his team down, 30 seconds left, etc.... Put the baby to bed

A soft lay-up.







A soft lay-up. (The game's in the) Refrigerator

(the door's closed, the light's out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the jello's jiggling)

The game is out of reach. (Sometimes says The game's in the Admiral. )







The game is out of reach. (Sometimes says ) Sends it back air-mail special.

A shot blocked with a great deal of intensity.





A shot blocked with a great deal of intensity. Sets...fires...gets!!

An outside shot with plenty of time to set up.





An outside shot with plenty of time to set up. (he's) shaking off the salt and butter

He really got faked into the popcorn machine .





He really got faked into the . (The Lakers') shooting leaves a lot to be desired.

See can't throw a pea in the ocean.





See Shot is straight as a string but didn't get it

Kind of like a frozen rope that missed.





Kind of like a that missed. shot a prayer, but it wasn't answered (even on Sunday).

A very low-percentage shot that missed.





A very low-percentage shot that missed. ...since Hector was a pup

A very long time ago, such as The Lakers haven't had the lead since Hector was a pup.





A very long time ago, such as ...since they got off the bus

A very long time ago, such as The Lakers haven't been this close since they got off the bus.





A very long time ago, such as (they couldn't beat) the Sisters of Mercy

The Lakers are playing terribly.





The Lakers are playing terribly. (He) skies to get it

A player who leaps very high to grab a rebound or loose ball.





A player who leaps very high to grab a rebound or loose ball. Sky Hook

Kareem's shot from so high, no one could block it.







Kareem's shot from so high, no one could block it. Slaaaaaam Dunk!!!

A dunk with authority, also Chick was the first to use the phrase "slam dunk".







A dunk with authority, also Chick was the first to use the phrase "slam dunk". Smelling like butter and salt

When a player gets really faked into the popcorn machine .





When a player gets really faked into the . (He's) So slow, I saw him on an escalator yesterday and a step passed him.

Just like it says, he's real slow.





Just like it says, he's real slow. (The Lakers are) spending too much time refereeing.

The players are complaining too much about calls that didn't go their way.





The players are complaining too much about calls that didn't go their way. (He has) Spalding (or the Commissioner's name) tatooed on his forehead!

somebody just recieved a serious, inyourface, shot rejection.





somebody just recieved a serious, inyourface, shot rejection. (The Lakers are) standing!

The players are standing around, irritating Chick greatly. (Rumor has it that Chick had to be positioned away from the players bench as this bothered the players and coaches).





The players are standing around, irritating Chick greatly. (Rumor has it that Chick had to be positioned away from the players bench as this bothered the players and coaches). (It's) Strong muscle time

You had to bang away in the low post to score.





You had to bang away in the low post to score. Stutter Step

Coined after a move patented by Archie Clark, a Laker in the late '60's.





Coined after a move patented by Archie Clark, a Laker in the late '60's. Swallows the Whistle

The ref doesn't make an obvious call ( No harm, no foul ).





The ref doesn't make an obvious call ( ). Swing left, shoot right

Picture Kareem's skyhook motion.







Picture Kareem's skyhook motion. Tattoo Dribble

Dribbling the ball in the same spot, as to tattoo the floor.





Dribbling the ball in the same spot, as to tattoo the floor. Taken Magic's wand away

Magic was playing so bad that the opponent had taken his wand away.





Magic was playing so bad that the opponent had taken his wand away. Telegraphs a pass

The recipient of a "telegraphed" pass is so obvious, that the defender knows which way to reach to block it. It's as if a telegraph message was sent to the recipient in advance so that he would know that it was coming. The defender picks up on this and can then block the pass.





The recipient of a "telegraphed" pass is so obvious, that the defender knows which way to reach to block it. It's as if a telegraph message was sent to the recipient in advance so that he would know that it was coming. The defender picks up on this and can then block the pass. threw a hot dog pass and the mustard came off and is all over the floor.

A fancy play that went wrong.





A fancy play that went wrong. threw it to the heavens and the gods kissed it.

made a tough basket





made a tough basket Throws up a brick

When a player tosses up a particularly errant shot.





When a player tosses up a particularly errant shot. Throws up a prayer ... (it's answered!!!)

A wild shot that will need a miracle to score... (it goes in!!)





A wild shot that will need a miracle to score... (it goes in!!) That ball was so deep in the hole I could read the commissioners name from here

When a shot goes way in before bouncing out of the basket.





When a shot goes way in before bouncing out of the basket. That'll get it done

(could be a Stu'ism but they both use it)

When a player's statistics as in FT% are acceptable.





(could be a Stu'ism but they both use it) When a player's statistics as in FT% are acceptable. They're so hot, they could put in Rin Tin Tin and he'd make a basket!

When a team is really shooting well.





When a team is really shooting well. They win the tip, that means they get the ball to start the fourth quarter!

Chick always says this to start the game because whoever wins the tip gets possesion to start the 4th. The other team gets it to start the 2nd & 3rd.





Chick always says this to start the game because whoever wins the tip gets possesion to start the 4th. The other team gets it to start the 2nd & 3rd. They've got enough turnovers to open a bakery!

The team had turnover after turnover after turnover.





The team had turnover after turnover after turnover. This is your World Champion Lakers' basketball network!

Chick's station ID when the Lakers were the world champs.





Chick's station ID when the Lakers were the world champs. Ticky-tack

A foul called when very little contact has been made.





A foul called when very little contact has been made. Tightrope act

Saving a ball from going out-of-bounds with delicate balance.





Saving a ball from going out-of-bounds with delicate balance. Toilet ringer

the ball rolls around the rim, and then goes in (or out).





the ball rolls around the rim, and then goes in (or out). Took him to the third floor and left him at the mezzanine.

The offensive player pump faked the defender,(who leaps to block the shot) and the player with the ball either goes up while the defender is coming down and/or draws the foul and hits the shot. The offensive player has embarrassed the defender who overplays for the block. Similar to the popcorn machine .





The offensive player pump faked the defender,(who leaps to block the shot) and the player with the ball either goes up while the defender is coming down and/or draws the foul and hits the shot. The offensive player has embarrassed the defender who overplays for the block. Similar to the . too much squeezin' the grape

Refers to drunk fans, who had too much wine (or whatever).





Refers to drunk fans, who had too much wine (or whatever). Triple-double

A player gets double figures in three statistical categories, usually points, rebounds, and assists. Also could be steals or blocked shots, but these are rarer.





A player gets double figures in three statistical categories, usually points, rebounds, and assists. Also could be steals or blocked shots, but these are rarer. Twenty-foot layup

Jamaal Wilkes' shot from the base-line, as automatic as a layup.





Jamaal Wilkes' shot from the base-line, as automatic as a layup. The 24-second clock has been put to beddie-bye

This occurs at the end of a quarter when the game clock has less time remaining on it than the 24-second clock; i.e. the only clock which is important on the current play is the game clock.





This occurs at the end of a quarter when the game clock has less time remaining on it than the 24-second clock; i.e. the only clock which is important on the current play is the game clock. The turnovers are coming like grapes: in bunches.

Lots of turnovers are happening.





Lots of turnovers are happening. They go to their bread and butter man, who also delivers ice.

A reliable player makes a clutch shot, under pressure.





A reliable player makes a clutch shot, under pressure. Using the rim as an ally

A reverse lay-up using the rim as an obstacle against the defender.





A reverse lay-up using the rim as an obstacle against the defender. (He's) Very even-tempered. Always mad.

Used to describe a player who's always mad about something.





Used to describe a player who's always mad about something. (on his) Wallet

Butt, rear end, ass, ... (whatever)





Butt, rear end, ass, ... (whatever) We're high above the western sideline here in Chick's Nest at the Fabulous Forum, the House that Jack built."

This is where he broadcast games at the Forum.





This is where he broadcast games at the Forum. Where's his luggage

The player is traveling and it's not called.





The player is traveling and it's not called. Words-eye view

Chick's description of their commentary.





Chick's description of their commentary. (He's) Working on his Wrigleys

He's chewing gum.





He's chewing gum. (He's) Wound up like a toy on Christmas morning

He's playing with enthusiasm.





He's playing with enthusiasm. (back & forth like a) Windshield wiper

Moving on a pivot foot just like...(you know)





Moving on a pivot foot just like...(you know) You gotta know your horses when you go to the track

Know your opponent.





Know your opponent. Yo-yoing up and down

Dribbling the ball, like it is a yo-yo on a string.





Player Nicknames

Big Game James

James Worthy (who came through in big playoff games)





James Worthy (who came through in big playoff games) Blue-collar Kurt

Kurt Rambis





Kurt Rambis Buck

Earvin "Magic" Johnson





Earvin "Magic" Johnson Big Fella

Cap

Kareem Abdul Jabbar (7'2") - the Captain





Kareem Abdul Jabbar (7'2") - the Captain Clark Kent

Kurt Rambis (Remember his thick black framed safety glasses.)





Kurt Rambis (Remember his thick black framed safety glasses.) The Eagle

Kermit Washington





Kermit Washington Elg

Elgin Baylor





Elgin Baylor Fall Back Baby

Dick Barnett (had a great fall-away shot)





Dick Barnett (had a great fall-away shot) Foxy

Rick Fox





Garbage man

Cedric Ceballos





Cedric Ceballos Golden Wheels

Jay Carty, clumsy backup center to Wilt for a couple of years.





Jay Carty, clumsy backup center to Wilt for a couple of years. "Happy" Hairston

Harold Hairston (I don't know if Chick made this one up)





Harold Hairston (I don't know if Chick made this one up) The Hawk

Connie Hawkins





Connie Hawkins Hot Rod

Rod Hundley





Rod Hundley Instant Point

Flynn Robinson, 6th Man during Lakers 33-game win-streak in early 70's because of his ability to score immediately after being put in game.





Flynn Robinson, 6th Man during Lakers 33-game win-streak in early 70's because of his ability to score immediately after being put in game. Mr. Clutch

Jerry West (great in clutch situations)





Jerry West (great in clutch situations) Nick the Quick , Nick at Night , Nicky V , Nick van Excellent ,

Nick van Excitement , The Cat , Nicky the Kid

Nick Van Exel





, , , , , , Nick Van Exel Pig

Anthony Miller (got at Michigan St. due to his weight problem)





Anthony Miller (got at Michigan St. due to his weight problem) Pops

Frank Selvy





Frank Selvy Secretary of Defense

Michael Cooper (great defender)





Michael Cooper (great defender) Steady Eddie

Eddie Jones





Eddie Jones Stormin' Norman Nixon

Norm Nixon





Norm Nixon The Stilt

Wilt Chamberlain (not sure if Chick invented this one)





Wilt Chamberlain (not sure if Chick invented this one) Stumpy

Gail Goodrich (who was one of the shortest Lakers).





Gail Goodrich (who was one of the shortest Lakers). The Thief

Sedale Threatt (great at stealing the ball)





Sedale Threatt (great at stealing the ball) Thief of Bagdad

Eddie Jordan (his quick hands earned him a lot of steals).





Eddie Jordan (his quick hands earned him a lot of steals). Zeke from Cabin Creek

Jerry West (who's from Cabin Creek, West Virginia)





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Thanks to C.B., Shemp, and several others for helping me remember some of them. If you hear any others, send me some mail.

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Last Updated: Feb 26, 2010