Do you want to learn some new vocabulary? Well, then you’re in luck! This is your ultimate guide to all the jargon, words, and phrases you may hear when ordering promotional items!
What is an aglet? Can you tell a grommet from a hole in the ground? Get ready to kiss your confusion goodbye with this helpful guide.
- Aglet
- Armscye
- Barrel
- Carabiner
- Crimper
- Dongle
- Fandana
- Ferrule
- Fourchette
- Fulcrum
- Grommet
- Gusset
- Keeper
- Koozie
- Muselet
- Nib
- Plunger
- Punt
- Tchotchke
- Zarf
Aglet
An aglet is the small plastic or metal piece on the end of a shoelace or hoodie string. It’s there to help guide the strings through the holes.
Armscye
Who knew the hole in your shirt sleeve had a name? The armscye is the space where your arm squeezes through the sleeve.
Barrel
The word “barrel” is used to describe the wooden part of a pencil. It’s also used for the plastic piece on a pen.
Carabiner
Carabiners are metal links commonly used in mountain climbing. Smaller, more lightweight versions can attach water bottles or keys to a bag or backpack.
Crimper
Your stapler wouldn’t work without a crimper, which is the metal piece at the bottom that helps push the staple through the paper.
Dongle
The dongle is the wireless adapter you plug into your laptop or any other USB port. It’s used to connect Bluetooth devices.
Fandana
A fandana is a versatile piece of fabric that can be used as a face mask, bandana, headband, or scarf.
Ferrule
The meta piece at the top of a pencil under the eraser is called the ferrule. This comes from the Latin viriola, which means “little bracelet.”
Fourchette
The fourchette is the uncommon way to refer to the narrow strip of cloth that connects the fingers in a pair of gloves.
Fulcrum
You wedge the fulcrum of a bottle opener under the cap to remove it. This piece is an essential part of how a bottle opener is made.
Grommet
The holes in your shoes for the laces or the small metal piece at the bottom of a drawstring bag are known as grommets.
Gusset
A gusset is a diamond or triangular piece of metal or fabric that adds durability to an item. It is used to eliminate stress from certain areas in tote bags, clothing, and food packaging.
Keeper
Your pants are kept from falling down thanks to the keeper! This is the loop on a belt under the buckle.
Koozie
No party is complete without a koozie! These are the neoprene or foam sleeves you wrap around a canned or bottled drink.
Muselet
Certain types of beer, champagne, and sparkling water may have a wire “cage” over the top. This piece is known as a muselet and is there to prevent the cork from bursting off the bottle from the pressure of the carbonation.
Nib
The nib is the tip of the pen. Without it, you’d have an inky mess every time you try to write!
Plunger
Also known as the “clicker,” the plunger is the top part of the pen that you push down when you’re ready to write.
Punt
On a bottle, the punt is the small dimple or indentation at the bottom. This groove provides structure and stability when the bottle is set on a surface.
Tchotchke
You use the word “tchotchke” in place of decorative items you have around the house or on your desk. These items are typically more fun than functional.
Zarf
Commonly referred to as a sleeve, a zarf is another name for the piece that wraps around a coffee cup. You use a zarf to keep the cup from burning your hands.
Other Ordering Words & Phrases
Aglet is a weird word in itself, but just imagine if you’re placing an order for something as obscure as promotional products for the first time. Your sales rep might talk your ear off about setup fees, screen prints, imprint areas, and vector, and you’ll stare at them blankly wondering what in the world they’re saying.
Fear not! Here’s a list of words and phrases you may hear when ordering promotional products:
Bitmap/Raster
Bitmap, or raster images are lower in resolution since they’re made from a collection of pixels.
Blank
Blank promotional products are exactly as they sound. The item is not decorated with an image and/or text.
BPA-Free
BPA-free is used to describe any plastic or metal item that doesn’t contain a chemical known as bisphenol A.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is when an item is printed in unlimited free colors on your item. This process, which is also known as full color transfer, CMYK printing, four color process printing, or dye sublimation, is often used to print photos onto an object.
Double-Sided Imprint
A double-sided imprint is when the design is printed on the front and back of an item.
Emboss/Deboss
An emboss or deboss is when customized metal plates are heated to temperatures as high as 212°F and used like stamps on the products. Embossing creates a raised look, while debossing creates an indented look.
Embroidery
You can order promotional products that are decorated with embroidery. This is when a machine stitches your design or message onto fabric products like hats, t-shirts, or blankets.
Font
The font is the style of the text printed on your promotional products.
Heat Press/Transfer
A heat press is when a giant industrial iron at about 300°F transfers your design onto an item.
Imprint Area
The space or area where your message or design is printed is called an imprint area. This space will vary in shape, size, and location from product to product.
Imprint Color
The imprint color is the ink or thread color used to decorate your promotional items.
Laser Engraving
As the name suggests, a laser engraving is when your design is etched into an item using a laser. The process results in a design that won’t chip or fade over time.
Pad Printing
Sometimes referred to as an “ink imprint,” a pad print is created using a giant industrial stamp.
Pantone Colors
Pantone developed their own distinct color system. Each color is assigned a special formula and number to distinguish it from a similar shade.
Proof
Think of this as proof that your design looks good. The proof is a digital mockup of your design on your item of choice.
Rush Production
An item in rush production will spend less time being created and decorated at the factory. Note: This typically requires an additional fee.
Rush Shipping
If you’re in a pinch, rush shipping is a good option as it reduces the number of days an item is in transit. It’s also referred to as expedited shipping.
Screen Printing
Green goo called emulsion is spread over a mesh screen and covered with UV-shielded ink to create a negative image. Colored ink is then spread over the screen to create the final design.
Setup Fee
The setup fee is the cost for the ink, machines, and labor that goes into customizing your items. This charge varies from product to product.
Wrap Imprint
A wrap imprint is when the design is printed on a PET film that wraps around the item. This decoration method is often used for custom water bottles.
Vector
Vectored graphics can be scaled and modified without becoming blurry and jagged. These images can be created using programs like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
The Bottom Line
A little knowledge goes a long way! You should now feel more informed and ready to order your promotional items. At the very least, your friends will be impressed that you know the name for that thing on their shoelaces!
Alyssa Mertes
Alyssa Mertes is an expert on branded swag. She's done it all, from uncovering the world's first custom tote bag to interviewing the designer who created AC/DC's logo. Her work has been featured on several podcasts and media websites.
