Hashing Questions & Terms
- What are the Hash House Harriers?
They are an international group of non-competitive running and social clubs. Think of it as part scavenger hunt, part trail run, part pub crawl – but mostly lots of fun. - What is the point of a hash?
It’s an excuse to get exercise, laughs, and camaraderie. The trails deliberately include dead-ends and puzzles to force the group to stay together, with a strong focus on socializing afterward. - Is the Hash suitable for all fitness levels?
Absolutely! Some hashers enjoy running hard and may end up as FRBs. That usually earns punishment in circle more than praise, although the way we deliver it can make the distinction blurry. There is no official winner; checks, false trails, and shortcuts help keep every pace part of the same pack. - What are “hares” and “hounds”?
“Hares” lay the trail, and “hounds” are the pack of runners following. - What does “On-On” mean?
The signature hash call letting the pack know they’re on the right trail. - What are “checks,” “FRBs,” and other weird terms?
Use the terminology guide below. Hash language varies between kennels, so visiting hashers may hear some terms used differently. - What’s a “down-down”?
A ceremonial drink—alcoholic or not—given in circle to recognize visitors, good deeds, questionable decisions, and other memorable moments. - How do I join?
No membership or advance signup is required for regular trails. Pick an event and check its details. The listed time is when everyone gathers. Hares off is about 15 minutes later, and pack off is about 15 minutes after that. Special events may require registration. - What should I bring?
Wear hash clothing you do not mind getting dirty, sweaty, stretched, or torn. Bring a headlamp for evening trails and a whistle, and check the event listing for anything trail-specific. - Can I bring a friend?
Yes. Newcomers and visiting hashers age 21 and older are welcome. Each person should sign in and follow any restrictions in the event listing. - Is alcohol required?
No. Drinking is optional. Bring your preferred nonalcoholic drink when needed, and never pressure anyone to drink. - Why is there flour or chalk on the ground?
The hare uses marks to lay trail. Chalk Talk before the start explains the marks used for that trail.
HASH TERMINOLOGY: LOCAL USAGE
These are common Whoreman meanings. Other kennels may use some calls, marks, or traditions differently.
Hash – Both a verb and a noun. To hash is to participate in a hash trail; a hash is the event itself.
Hasher – A person who hashes.
Wanker – A hasher; also used teasingly for someone who whines, breaks with tradition, or otherwise earns the pack’s attention.
Half-mind – A traditional term for a hasher.
Fuckin Fuck – Another irreverent traditional term for a hasher.
Hare – The hasher who lays the trail.
Muggle – A person who does not hash.
Racist – A traditional hash joke for a hasher who participates in competitive races such as 5Ks.
Virgin – The traditional hash term for someone attending their first hash.
Road Whore – A hasher who travels to other kennels to hash.
Kennel – A local Hash House Harriers chapter. A city can have more than one kennel.
Anal – Annual.
Destructions – Instructions, especially the details for finding or following trail.
Shiggy – Rough terrain such as mud, brush, streams, and other obstacles.
Pre-lube – A gathering before a hash.
Circle – The post-trail gathering or ceremony for stories, songs, and down-downs.
On-After – A gathering for food or more socializing after the hash.
“Are You?” / “Checking” – The pack asks the FRBs whether they are on true trail. “Checking” means the FRB has not determined whether the trail is true or false.
Beer Check – A beverage stop on trail, or the mark indicating one.
Chalk Talk – The hare’s pre-trail explanation of the marks, terrain, route, and safety information.
Check – A mark where the pack must search for true trail among several possible directions.
Check Back – A mark directing the pack back along trail—often by a stated number of marks—before looking for the next direction. It does not necessarily mean the route was a false trail.
False Trail – A route deliberately leading away from true trail.
YBF – “You’ve Been Fucked”: a mark confirming that the route is a false trail and sending the pack back to the last check.
Down-Down – A ceremonial drink given in circle as recognition rather than merely a penalty.
FRB – Front Running Bastard: a faster member of the pack. FRBs may compete with one another, but being out front usually earns punishment in circle rather than an honor—though the way we deliver it can make the distinction blurry. The hash has no official winner.
On-On – The call that tells the pack someone has found true trail; it may also appear as a true-trail mark.
On-In – The end-of-trail mark and finish area.