Toy Lingo and Terminology

Posted by : ToyCustomZ Saturday, August 4, 2012

Here are some toy terminology definitions that may be used in the toy collecting world in general. I noticed that some people do not understand the confusing acronyms and terms used by toy collector, I list down some toy lingo and terminologies.

I hope it would be useful and helpful to some people.

Condition Terms & Abbreviations:

MOC

means "Mint on Card" This most often means the toy is mint and presumably complete, but does not necessarily mean the card is mint, or that the figure on it is still factory sealed.

MOSC

similar to above, but means: "Mint on Sealed Card" and means the card is sealed.

CARDED

Means the figure is still in its original packaging which is usually a hanging card with the toy is a little plastic blister.

MIB

means "Mint in box" Most often the toy would be mint and complete and in its original box (which may or may not be sealed).

MISB

means "Mint in Sealed Box" and means the toy is still factory sealed in its original box.

BOXED

means the toy is in its original packaging, which is a box (it may or may not be sealed)

MISMB or MOSMC (very rarely used terms)

means "mint in sealed mint box" and "mint on sealed mint card". (a very desirable pristine condition)

LOOSE

means the toy is out of its original packaging (and the leftover packaging would not be present or included with the toy)

RE-ISSUE

Means the toy being sold was re-released by the manufacturer.

VINTAGE

means basically "The old ones" or "The Original"

Complete

Figure has all of its original accessories.

Knockoff/Bootleg

A reproduction of a legitimate toy, commonly made in third-world countries and made of inferior materials.

RE-deco/Repaint

A change in paint scheme to provide a variant. Also used to make another character.

Re-molded/Resculpted

Changing of parts on preexisting figures to create a variant or a new character.

Variant

A repaint/remold of an existing figure, produced in a limited numbers to increase demand ,usually having more effect on secondary markets than retailer sales.

Series /Wave

subset of toys in a toyline, often shipped out in the same timeframe, or same box.

Collector Grade

The condition desired by collectors, which varies.

ARTICULATION

Refers to the toy's pose ability, where a type of joint is. The more articulation a figure has, the more pose ability it generally has; a figure with basic joints at the neck and shoulders would be said to have three points of articulation.

Buy/Sell/Trade Terms & Abbreviations:

For Sale

FT/TT

For Trade/To Trade

WTB

Want to Buy

WTT

Want to Trade

NFS/NFT

Not for Sale/Not for Trade

Brands and Toy Lines Abbreviations:

HAS: Hasbro