The term ‘Glock’ has become a widely used slang term with various meanings depending on the context. At its core, ‘Glock’ refers to the Austrian manufacturer Glock Ges.m.b.H. and the types of semi-automatic pistols they produce. However, in slang usage, ‘Glock’ has taken on additional meanings beyond just the brand name firearms.
‘Glock’ Referring to Glock Firearms
In its most literal sense, ‘Glock’ refers to the semi-automatic pistols manufactured by Glock Ges.m.b.H., an Austrian company founded in 1963 by engineer Gaston Glock. Glock pistols are polymer-framed, recoil-operated, locked-breech semi-automatics. They are known for their simple design with relatively few parts which makes them easy to maintain. Glock pistols also have a reputation for reliability and durability.
Some of the most popular Glock pistol models include:
- Glock 17 – Full-size 9x19mm, one of Glock’s earliest and most popular models
- Glock 19 – Compact 9x19mm, well-balanced size for concealed carry
- Glock 22 – Full-size .40 S&W, popular police service pistol
- Glock 23 – Compact .40 S&W, counterpart to the Glock 19
- Glock 21 – Full-size .45 ACP, offers big caliber stopping power
- Glock 26 – Subcompact 9x19mm, very small and concealable
When someone refers to their ‘Glock’, they are likely talking about a specific model of Glock pistol that they own. For example, “I carry a Glock 19 for self-defense.”
‘Glock’ Referring to Other Firearms
While ‘Glock’ properly refers to pistols manufactured specifically by Glock, the term is sometimes used more generically to refer to any semi-automatic polymer-framed handgun. This can include guns that are not actually produced by Glock but are similar in design and function.
Some examples of non-Glock pistols that sometimes get grouped under the ‘Glock’ designation include:
- Smith & Wesson M&P
- Springfield Armory XD
- FN Herstal FNS
- H&K VP9
- CZ P10
- Sig Sauer P320
This more generic use of ‘Glock’ is inaccurate – these are distinct gun models made by different manufacturers. However, the public perception linking polymer-frame, striker-fired semi-auto pistols with the Glock brand is understandable given Glock’s prominence and popularity in this market segment.
‘Glock’ Referring to General Firearms
The term ‘Glock’ is also sometimes used when referring to firearms in general, not even limited to semi-auto handguns. This very loose usage strips away any connection to the specifics of the Glock brand, simply using ‘Glock’ as interchangeable slang for ‘gun’.
For example:
“Better bring your Glock in case things get rough.”
“My buddy was showing off his new Glock the other day.”
“Police officers often carry Glocks as their service weapon.”
In these contexts, the speaker is not necessarily implying anything specific about Glock brand vs. non-Glock firearms. ‘Glock’ is simply shorthand for discussing firearms, similar to using other generic terms like ‘pistol’, ‘handgun’ or ‘gun’.
‘Glock’ to Refer to Shooting Skill
Given Glock’s popularity in tactical, self-defense, and action shooting circles, the term ‘Glock’ has developed a connotation with competency and familiarity with firearms. Saying someone is a ‘Glock’ signals their skills and experience in operating pistols.
For example:
“Watch out for Mike on the range, that dude’s a total Glock.”
“I just started learning to shoot but Jackson over there is a straight up Glock.”
In these contexts, ‘Glock’ essentially means the person has shooting skills comparable to the reputation and performance of Glock brand firearms – accurate, quick handling, etc. It became shorthand for being proficient with pistols based on Glock’s widespread use among military, law enforcement, and civilian tactical shooters.
‘Glock’ Referring to Full Magazines
Another slang usage of ‘Glock’ refers specifically to a fully loaded magazine or ammunition capacity. This derives from the standard large magazine capacity of most Glock pistols, typically over 15+ rounds depending on the caliber and model.
For example:
“Make sure you load up some Glocks before the match.”
“I keep a few extra Glocks ready in case we run low on ammo.”
Here ‘Glock’ indicates having full magazines loaded and ready to use, granting maximum firepower potential before needing to reload. It taps into the reputation of Glocks carrying substantial ammunition capacity right out of the box.
‘Glock’ as Slang for Shooting
The term ‘Glock’ has evolved into a verb meaning to shoot or fire a gun. Similar to using ‘blast’ or ‘pop’, saying someone ‘Glocked’ indicates they rapidly fired their weapon.
For example:
“As soon as the robber drew his pistol, the homeowner Glocked him with his shotgun.”
“The drive-by shooters Glocked up the whole street before speeding off.”
This slang usage evolved from the tactical shooting community, where it was common to say someone “runs their Glock fast on the drawing board.” Eventually it shortened into using ‘Glock’ as a verb meaning using a firearm in a rapid firing manner.
‘Glocking’ as Slang for Shooting
A variant of this is the slang term ‘Glocking’ which also refers to discharging a firearm rapidly or indiscriminately. For example:
“The assassin came Glocking through the warehouse with an Uzi.”
“There was some late night Glocking going on outside my apartment last night.”
Both ‘Glocking’ and ‘Glock’ as a verb tap into the concept of firing a gun rapidly and continuously like a Glock pistol with a large magazine capacity.
Conclusion
While ‘Glock’ originated as a simple shorthand term for pistols manufactured by Glock Ges.m.b.H., it has evolved substantially into a widely used slang term with many flexible meanings. In modern slang usage, ‘Glock’ can refer to:
- Specific Glock brand firearm models
- Generic polymer-frame, striker-fired semi-auto handguns in general
- Firearms or guns in the most general sense
- Shooting skill and proficiency
- Fully loaded magazines/ammunition capacity
- The act of shooting rapidly
This range of meanings stems from Glock’s prominence in tactical, self-defense, and action shooting circles. The Glock brand has achieved widespread visibility and name recognition even among casual firearm owners and the general public. The Glock pistol’s simple yet effective and reliable design has earned a reputation for competence and capability, qualities that have extended into the slang terminology that has developed around this iconic firearm.