wipeout
WYP-owt
/ˈwaɪp.aʊt/
A dramatic, sudden, and often violent fall from a surfboard, skateboard, or snowboard.
A wipeout is not just a simple stumble; it implies a total loss of control, often resulting in being tossed by a wave or crashing onto concrete.
The story behind the word. The term emerged in the early 1960s California surf culture. It perfectly captured the sensation of a giant wave completely erasing or 'wiping out' a surfer from the face of the water, leaving nothing but foam.
Word relationships
- crash: Crash is a general term for any collision or fall, whereas wipeout is specifically associated with board sports and water.
- spill: A spill is a gentler, more casual term for a fall, whereas a wipeout suggests a dramatic or high-velocity wreck.
- landing: A landing is the successful completion of a trick or drop, maintaining balance on the board.
- recovery: A recovery is the act of regaining balance after almost falling.
Commonly confused with
- bail: To bail is to intentionally jump off the board to avoid a worse crash, whereas a wipeout is the actual, often involuntary fall.
Word family
- wipe out (verb): To fall dramatically or be knocked off one's board.
Collocations
- spectacular wipeout
- painful wipeout
- survive a wipeout
- brutal wipeout
Example sentences
- "The crowd gasped as the surfer suffered a terrifying wipeout, disappearing under tons of churning white water." A surf commentator describing a surfer falling on a massive wave at Mavericks.
- "After three clean landings, a sudden pebble caused a painful wipeout that scraped his knees." A skateboarder recounting a failed trick attempt down a flight of stairs.
Memory hook
Picture a giant eraser 'wiping out' your drawing of a surfer from the chalkboard. Wiped clean off the board.
When not to use
Do not use 'wipeout' for a minor, controlled step-off from a board where the rider remains on their feet.
Fun facts
- The 1963 surf-rock instrumental hit 'Wipe Out' by The Surfaris popularized the term globally, featuring a famous manic laugh and a drum solo that mimicked a crashing wave.
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