Hoops
Basketball
Example
Wanna go play hoops at the gym?
Fo sho. I'll be there at 5
Sweet!
Dunking the ball while playing hoops
Related Slang
| NBA | National Basketball Association |
| J | Jump shot |
| JS | Jordan shoes |
| LeBroning | Flopping |
| ups | Jumping ability |
| Bucket | A made basketball shot |
| Cutting down the nets | Won a basketball tournament |
| Handles | The ability to handle a basketball |
| Rock | A basketball |
| Swish | A made shot in basketball that hits only the net |
| Boards | Rebounds |
Take the pop culture acronym challenge
If someone asks you to go to play "hoops," they are asking if you want to play basketball. People may use the nickname in many contexts, including online, in messages, and in real life.
For example, NBA fans may discuss a player's ability to play on social media, "that man is legit. he can play hoops with anyone." Or, your friend may text you, "hoops after school?"
Origin of hoops
The slang term "hoops" comes from the round rims and nets players attempt to shoot the ball through to score (thus recording points). The round rim resembles a hoop, which is how it got its nickname. Additionally, the term became popular in the 1980s and 90s.