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Autograph Lingo

In the world of autograph collecting there are some specific and unique terms that all collectors should learn. As you are buying and receiving autographs it is important to be able to understand the code and language of the hobby.

1-Per: An athlete or celebrity only signing one item per person. Some organized signings advertise only one item per person, and when collectors mention the event, they will say it’s a 1-per.

AWOL/MIA: A celebrity who avoids collectors and leaves through the back door.

Bandwagon: Other fans from the concert follow collectors and can ruin a signing opportunity because it looks like too large a crowd is waiting for the celebrity. Bandwagoners are not often prepared and get trivial items signed, such as business cards or the caps they’re wearing, and sometimes only take photos.

Beauty Pageant Wave: Describes the gesture given by the celebrity when they see that you want an autograph, but just wave instead.

Cell Phone Routine: The celebrity spots a group of collectors and avoids the group by talking on their cell phone.

Close-hold: A term used by collectors when requesting other collectors to keep information on a future autograph opportunity secret.

Deco: An abbreviation referring to a DecoColor paint pen.

Double Dipping: When a collector successfully receives two or more signatures from a 1-per signer in the same setting. This is accomplished by a quick cosmetic change—adding or removing a hat or sunglasses, or both—and approaching the signer with a second item. If there is a line to get items signed, collectors can also try to simply go through the line again.

Newbie: A new or unfamiliar face amongst regulars at a particular venue. A newbie can easily be transformed into a regular by appearing frequently at the same venues and networking with other regulars.

Prepping: Preparing your items for signing.

Racking: It can either mean getting multiple items signed by the same celebrity or getting items signed by various targeted celebrities at the same venue.

Regular: Describes someone who regularly frequents signing venues, also sometimes called a veteran.

Running to the Bathroom: Describes a celebrity who is walking a quickly while signing, as though they are in a hurry to get to the restroom.

Shot Down: A term used when you are refused an autograph by a celebrity.

Stiffed: At times celebrities will decline to sign while entering a venue but state they will give autographs inside or after the even is over. Being stiffed happens when they further refuse to give an autograph when they said they would sign.

Throwing Down: Refers to a celebrity who is known for signing a lot for fans, especially multiple items in the same sitting.

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