Every term here is written with respect, clarity, and truth, the way it should be.

(Here’s the real language — not the TV version.)

Note: These definitions are written for education and cultural respect. Not every club uses the same terms in the same way. What’s shown here reflects common, grounded usage across MC culture, especially in UK and traditional outlaw circles.

A–Z Glossary Terms

1%er
Refers to outlaw bikers who live outside the 99% of motorcyclists who follow mainstream laws and norms. Originally coined after the 1947 Hollister riot. Worn as a diamond patch.

Back Patch
The large patch on the back of a kutte shows the club name, chapter, and logo (the “colors”). Not for decoration — this is your identity, your bond, and your life.

Church
A club meeting. Mandatory unless you’ve got a damn good reason to miss it.

Citizen
Someone not involved in club life is often used to describe a member’s partner, friends, or family who aren’t part of the scene.

Clubhouse
The main hangout spot or HQ for a motorcycle club. It may be a physical location or a private meeting place.

Colors
The full set of patches (top rocker, bottom rocker, and center patch) that identify club affiliation. You earn them, and they’re never bought (there is one club that took to renting patches)

Cut / Kutte
A sleeveless leather or denim vest that displays your colors. More than clothing, it’s an identity, a symbol of loyalty, belonging, and earned respect.

Hangaround
The first step toward membership. Someone who’s allowed to be around the club but hasn’t started prospecting yet.

Nomad
A club member who isn’t tied to a specific chapter. Usually respected as a long-standing member with authority. Although could be part of a nomad chapter.

Ol’ Lady
The committed partner of a club member. Not a casual girlfriend, this title is earned and respected within the culture.

Patch / Patched Member
A full club member who has earned the right to wear the patch. Not a title you give yourself.

Patch Over
When a member or entire club switches allegiance to another MC and adopts their colors and rules.

Patching In
The final step in the prospect journey is when you’re accepted as a full member and earn your patch.

Prospect
An official prospect is working to earn membership. It’s a period with full commitment and zero guarantees.

Rocker
The top or bottom arc patch that shows your club name (top) or territory/chapter (bottom).

Side Patch / Side Rocker
A club that isn’t part of a traditional 3-piece patch system. Often rides in support of a dominant club or fills a specific role in the scene.

Support Club
A smaller club that rides under the wing of a dominant one, either as protection, progression, or loyalty.

The Life
Shorthand for MC culture. When someone says they “live the life,” they mean this one, the MC code, the brotherhood, the road.

Three-Piece Patch
The traditional MC format: top rocker (club), center patch (logo), bottom rocker (territory).

Unwritten Rules
The cultural expectations, codes of behavior, and old-school respect lines that don’t appear in any handbook matter more than what does.

 MLLH&R, Much Love, Loyalty, Honor & Respect.

It’s a sign of deep respect and solidarity, usually exchanged between people who either live the life or understand the code. It’s more than just words; it’s a nod to shared values that matter in the MC world:

• Love for the brotherhood or tribe
• Loyalty that doesn’t flinch when shit gets real
• Honor in how you carry yourself
• Respect earned, not given

Club Specific Glossary

The Outlaws MC Glossary

GBNF

Gone But Not Forgotten – You’re still with us. Your name, your deeds, your presence, we carry that.

If you know, you know

Basically used to say if you’re real, you get it, but it gets used a lot, especially online.

GFOD

The Outlaws MC Motto stands for God Forgives Outlaws Don’t. Warning: The Outlaws MC is very protective of their IP. This one is for reference only, as it is considered that if you haven’t earned an Outlaws MC patch, you haven’t earned the right to use the sayings/mottos or the Charlie design.

OFFO

Outlaws Forever Forever Outlaw, normally used by The Outlaws MC in reference to their fallen. The above applies to this, too.

British MC Culture Alternative Glossary

Safety Officer

Sometimes in clubs in the UK, an officer will refer to himself as the safety officer. Usually, this means that his role is the same as a sergeant-at-arms in that he is responsible for the whole club’s safety and the safety of the president. This is a high-ranking position and not to be confused with a road safety officer.