grommet

Beginner ⚽ Sports / Fitness

Definition

A ring or eyelet, typically made of metal or plastic, inserted into a hole to protect, reinforce, or line an opening; also used as slang in surfing culture to refer to a young, inexperienced surfer.

Example Usage

The tent's fabric had torn, so she replaced the grommet before the next camping trip.

Origin

From French 'grommet' or 'grumette,' originally a nautical term for a young cabin boy or rope-ring.

Fun Fact

The surfing slang usage became popular in the 1970s-80s and has become iconic in surf culture; a 'young grommet' is still a common compliment for promising young surfers.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)