Glossary - Terms

Glossary - Terms
Like every sport, Geocaching has some special terms. And like every sport, experienced players use these terms when they talk to each other. Here's a listing of some of them so you'll be able to understand what people are saying:

Log Abbreviations

There are actually two kinds of log. One is found on the cache description page found on geocaching.com. This log is for finders to record their comments about the find. The other log is in the cache container at the site. It actually looks more like a slip of paper and is usually found wrapped up inside a plastic bag inside the cache container. Written on it is an explanation of geocaching (for people who find the cache container accidentally) then a series of lines for the entry of a username and a date. Beside the usernames and dates you'll often see sets of initials entered on the log. Some of these are explained below.

FTF

First to Find - often a special reward is placed in a cache when it is first established. This becomes a kind of "reward" for the first person to find the cache. Usually found in the on-line cache site description. Once the FTF has been claimed it is gone.

TNLN

Took Nothing/Left Nothing - the geocacher finding this cache chose not to take any of the items in it, they also chose not to leave anything. This is considered good sportsmanship but it does rather spoil the fun. If you don't have anything to swap it is only good manners not to take anything.

SL

Signed Log This term is often entered into the on-line comments. Sometimes this is followed by a listing of what this finder took and what they left.

TFTC

Thanks for the Cache - this term is often entered into the on-line comments and is a kind of "thank you" from the finder of the cache.

TFTE

Thanks for the Event- this term is often entered into the on-line comments and is a  "thank you" to the person(s) that hosted the event..

Travel Bug (TB)

A Travel bug is placed into a cache with the hope that it goes on some kind of special mission. It will usually be identified by having a kind of dog tag (containing a serial number) attached to it. There should also be a note explaining the mission. Persons finding a travel bug are asked to take it to another cache closer to the travel bug's goal. Finders taking a travel bug are honor bound to move it to another cache. Travel bugs are tracked through geocaching.com where a map is available showing all the places this travel bug has been.