Modern Slang
Vulture
A slang name for a birdie, a score of one stroke under par on a single hole.
Vulture is a slang name for a birdie, a score of one stroke under par on a single hole. The term fits into the broader family of bird-themed scoring nicknames in golf, where smaller and more common birds tend to represent more modest achievements and larger or rarer birds represent better scores. Vulture sits alongside other less-common bird names occasionally used for scoring results, including buzzard for a double bogey, grouse for a triple bogey, and turkey for a quadruple bogey. The standard ladder of birdie, eagle, albatross, and condor remains the most widely recognized, with vulture and similar names appearing in casual conversation rather than formal scoring. The category overlaps with broader golf vocabulary of casual scoring nicknames, with specific groups developing their own conventions for various achievement levels.
How Golfers Say It
"Made a vulture, same as birdie."
"Bird-themed scoring slang."
"Casual conversation, not formal scoring."
Origin
Vulture as scoring slang has been part of casual golf vocabulary for many decades. The phrase belongs to the broader family of bird-themed scoring nicknames, with various less-common bird names appearing in specific golf communities and casual conversation.
Rules & Context
Vulture is informal terminology rather than a rules concept. The Rules of Golf use standard scoring vocabulary (birdie, eagle, etc.) without casual nicknames.
"Casual alternative to birdie. Use whichever term feels natural. Most groups use birdie in standard conversation; vulture appears occasionally in specific golf communities. The vocabulary doesn't change the achievement itself."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vulture the same as birdie?
Yes, same achievement. Both terms describe scoring one stroke under par on a single hole. Vulture is informal slang; birdie is the standard term. The Rules of Golf and tournament scoring use birdie; casual conversation may use either term.
What other bird names are used?
Various nicknames. Standard: birdie (-1), eagle (-2), albatross/double eagle (-3), condor (-4). Casual: vulture (birdie variant), buzzard (double bogey), grouse (triple bogey), turkey (quadruple bogey). Specific naming conventions vary by region and golf community.
Why are scoring names birds?
Historical convention starting with birdie. Birdie as scoring term originated around 1903 from the slang "bird" meaning excellent. Eagle and other bird names followed the pattern. The bird theme has persisted as the standard naming convention for below-par scoring achievements across more than a century of golf vocabulary.
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