For the new collector it can seem rather daunting coming
to grips with the foreign vocabulary you’re now faced with – as with any
specialised field there is a whole new terminology to get your head around and
while some terms may be obvious, others may be somewhat baffling and seemingly
nonsensical.
Here is a list of some common terms:
Blind –
This one may be obvious, but worth mentioning. A blind
item comes in a bag or box format and is anything that cannot be visually
identified on purchase. Even Kinder Surprise are considered blinds, and to a
lesser extent collector or “bubble-gum” cards.
Note: Some retailers will advertise items as blind, but are actually a
random pick from a non-blind assortment, so technically exempt.
Common –
A common is any mini with a lower ratio. So a 1/6 or a
1/12 (for cases with a 12 box allocation) would be considered a common as the
likelihood of getting them is extremely high.
Chase –
Sometimes used in reference to the higher ratio
characters in a series is the term chase or chaser. A term usually used to
describe a high or impossible ratio mini, often with its appearance undisclosed
on the packaging.
Dupes –
It’s pretty obvious, but on the off chance you were
thinking duplicitous, it’s actually in reference to getting duplicates or
doubles.
ISO (In Search of) -
Often when trying to complete a series, an ISO is posted
in a group or community to notify potential sellers who may have a double or
are looking to sell or trade. An ISO is the same as a want list.
Mini –
An abbreviation on the Funko Mystery Minis line, however
it is widely used to describe many blind items.
Pull –
A pull is what you got once you’ve opened your blind
item, eg: ‘What did you pull?’ or ’ Look what I pulled today!’
Ratio –
A series will have box listed ratios; these dictate the
rarity of a particular character. For a more in-depth look see our previous blog post on the subject.
Lesser used, but terms worth mentioning:
OOB (Out of Box) –
Not a term used often in blind circles, it is sometimes
used in sales or trade posts, eg ‘Only OOB to identify’. OOB usually has
connotations of displayed, used or in a played with state.
AFOL (Adult Fans of Lego) -
Obviously only used in relation to Lego mini-figure blind
bags, an AFOL is pretty self-explanatory and generally used as a way to address
Lego collectors when posting.
So there’s a quick look into some of the basic vernacular
of Blinders - there are likely many terms and abbreviations not listed, but at
least with these ones in your lexicon,
you’re on your way to being in the know like a pro.
Are there any terms you’ve heard that haven’t been
mentioned? Comment and let us know.
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