Hiker Terminology 101

Before I go further with the blog about my PCT hike, I should educate you on a particular vocabulary used on the trail.
Thru Hiker:  A person who intends to complete the entire trail.  In the case of the PCT, that is 2650 miles.
Section Hiker:  A person who may do one or more sizable chunks of the trail.  For example, I met a guy who was doing 2 sections of approximately 350 miles each.
NOBO:  A hiker traveling in a northbound direction.
SOBO:  A hiker traveling in a southbound direction.
Trail Name:  Most thru hikers have acquired nick names on a thru hike; a name they will carry with them if they do other thru hikes.  My trail name is Keep Walkin', based on the fact that I'm older and need to just keep moving down the trail.  Another name that came up was "Socks" because I carry many more socks than other hikers, so usually have a few pair hanging off my pack while they dry.
Flip/Flopper:  Due to fires, injuries, weather, and trail closures among others, a hiker may do the trail sections out of sequence.
Hiker Trash (or Trail Trash):  Usually long section hikers, or thru hikers distinguishable by their very recognizable odor.  Thru hikers embrace the stank and wear it with pride!  NOTE:  I visit with many day hikers.  They are the ones with small packs, clean clothes and who smell good.
Hiker Hunger: Hikers will burn 4000-6000 calories or more a day.  Once that hunger sets in (about 10 days to 2 weeks in) the hiker can consume mountains of food that previously would be unimaginable.

Trail Angels:  Folks (often previous hikers) who support hikers in various ways such as; rides into town and back from the trail to resupply, setting up water caches where there is no water on the trail, opening their yards for camping, feeding hungry hikers along the trail, just to name a few.
Trail Magic:  Hiking along a trail and finding a cooler of soda, sandwiches or other treats sitting beside the trail.  Trail magic also occurs where the trail winds under an overpass and Trail Angels have set up a feast for passing hikers.
Trail Towns:  Towns that lay in close proximity to the trail, and sometimes the trail goes right through a town.  These towns really cater to hikers during the season, having hiking supplies on hand and restaurants have huge portions to satisfy the hiker hunger. The PCT Association urges at least 20-25% tips to thank these kind folks for serving stinking, filthy dirty hikers.  I've so far been amazed at the open-arms reception we've been given at trail towns.
Zero:  A day in which the hiker does no "trail" miles.  This may be a day off the trail at a hotel for a shower, wash stinky clothes, or the hiker may still be at a campground on the trail, but just hanging out and taking a day off to recover a bit.
Nero:  A day that is hiked, but much fewer miles than normally hiked.  A mini rest day where miles are hiked, but the hiker will do much less.
HYOH:  Acronym for "hike your own hike".  Most hikers hike at a different pace.  Even people hiking together often don't hike together all day, every day.  They agree where they will meet up for lunch or for camping the night.