Top 21 Slang For Helicopter – Meaning & Usage

Helicopters are fascinating flying machines that have become an integral part of our daily lives. But did you know that there are slang terms used to refer to these incredible aircraft? Join us as we take you on a whirlwind tour of the top slang for helicopter. From the amusing to the downright cool, this list will have you soaring with excitement and impressing your friends with your newfound helicopter lingo. Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride!

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1. Chopper

Chopper is a commonly used term for helicopter. It is derived from the sound that a helicopter makes, resembling the chopping of blades.

For example, a pilot might say, “I’ll be flying the chopper to the destination.”
In a military context, a soldier might refer to a helicopter as a chopper, saying, “We need air support, send in the choppers!”
In casual conversation, someone might ask, “Have you ever been in a chopper before?”

2. Whirlybird

Whirlybird is a fun and lighthearted term used to refer to a helicopter. It is based on the sound that the rotor blades make when they spin.

For instance, a child might point to a helicopter in the sky and say, “Look, a whirlybird!”
In a movie or TV show, a character might say, “We need to escape, let’s hijack that whirlybird!”
During a helicopter tour, a tour guide might say, “Enjoy the breathtaking views from the whirlybird!”

3. Eggbeater

Eggbeater is a slang term used to describe a helicopter. It is derived from the rotating motion of the rotor blades, which resembles the spinning of an eggbeater.

For example, a pilot might say, “I’ll be taking the eggbeater for a spin today.”
In a military context, a soldier might say, “The enemy is approaching, we need the eggbeaters ready for extraction.”
During a helicopter demonstration, an announcer might say, “Watch as the skilled pilot maneuvers the powerful eggbeater through the air!”

4. Heli

Heli is a shortened form of the word helicopter. It is commonly used in informal conversations and text messages.

For instance, someone might text their friend, “I’m going for a ride in a heli today!”
In a video game, a character might say, “Quick, get in the heli before the enemies spot us!”
During a helicopter tour, a guide might say, “Welcome aboard the heli, get ready for an unforgettable experience!”

5. Copter

Copter is an abbreviated form of the word helicopter. It is often used in casual conversations and in the context of aviation.

For example, someone might say, “I saw a cool copter flying over the city yesterday.”
In a news report, a journalist might say, “The rescue team arrived at the scene in a copter to airlift the injured.”
During a helicopter demonstration, an announcer might say, “Watch as the skilled pilot performs daring maneuvers in the copter!”

6. Blade runner

This term refers to a helicopter pilot. It is derived from the blades of the helicopter that rotate during flight. The term “blade runner” is often used in a casual or playful manner.

For example, a pilot might introduce themselves as a “blade runner” at a social event.
In a conversation about aviation, someone might ask, “Are there any blade runners here?”
A person interested in helicopters might say, “I’ve always wanted to become a blade runner.”

7. Heli-jockey

Similar to “blade runner,” this term is another way to refer to a helicopter pilot. It combines the words “heli” (short for helicopter) and “jockey” (a term often used to refer to someone who operates or controls a vehicle).

For instance, a person might say, “My cousin is a heli-jockey in the army.”
In a discussion about aviation careers, someone might ask, “What does it take to become a heli-jockey?”
A fan of helicopters might use the term to express their admiration, saying, “I have so much respect for heli-jockeys and their skills.”

8. Whirlyjig

This term is a playful or informal way to refer to a helicopter. It is derived from the sound made by the rotating blades of the helicopter, which produce a distinct “whirring” or “whirling” noise.

For example, a person might say, “I saw a whirlyjig flying overhead earlier.”
In a conversation about aviation, someone might ask, “Have you ever flown in a whirlyjig?”
A child might point to a helicopter and excitedly exclaim, “Look, Mom! It’s a whirlyjig!”

9. Chopperino

This term is a playful or humorous way to refer to a helicopter. It is a variation of the word “chopper,” which is a common slang term for a helicopter.

For instance, a person might say, “I heard a chopperino flying over my house last night.”
In a discussion about aviation, someone might ask, “Have you ever been in a chopperino?”
A fan of helicopters might use the term affectionately, saying, “I love watching chopperinos take off and land.”

10. Skywhale

This term is used to refer to a large or imposing helicopter. It combines the words “sky” (referring to the sky or the act of flying) and “whale” (a large marine mammal known for its size and presence). The term “skywhale” is often used in a lighthearted or imaginative context.

For example, a person might say, “I saw a massive skywhale flying over the city.”
In a conversation about helicopters, someone might ask, “What’s the biggest skywhale you’ve ever seen?”
A person fascinated by helicopters might use the term to express their awe, saying, “I dream of flying in a majestic skywhale one day.”

11. Whirlywhirly

This is a playful term for a helicopter, often used by children or in casual conversation. It refers to the rotating blades of the helicopter that create a whirling motion.

For example, a child might point to the sky and say, “Look, it’s a whirlywhirly!”
In a conversation about aviation, someone might mention, “I’ve always been fascinated by whirlybirds.”
A pilot might say, “Flying a whirlywhirly is a thrilling experience.”

12. Hoptercopter

This slang term for a helicopter is derived from the word “hop,” which refers to the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of helicopters. It emphasizes the ability of helicopters to “hop” from one location to another.

For instance, someone might say, “I’ll be arriving in a hoptercopter, so keep an eye out for me.”
In a discussion about different types of aircraft, a person might ask, “What’s the advantage of a hop over a traditional airplane?”
A helicopter enthusiast might say, “I love the versatility of hoptercopters.”

13. Sky cab

This slang term for a helicopter likens it to a taxi cab in the sky, emphasizing its ability to transport people quickly and efficiently.

For example, someone might say, “I’ll be taking a sky cab to the airport.”
In a conversation about transportation options, a person might ask, “Have you ever flown in a sky cab?”
A helicopter pilot might refer to their aircraft as a sky cab, saying, “Welcome aboard my trusty sky cab.”

14. Whirligig

This slang term for a helicopter refers to the spinning motion of the rotor blades. It is often used in a playful or lighthearted manner.

For instance, someone might say, “I saw a bunch of whirligigs in the sky today.”
In a discussion about different types of aircraft, a person might mention, “Helicopters are sometimes called whirligigs.”
A child might point to a helicopter and say, “Look at that big whirligig!”

15. H-Dog

This slang term for a helicopter is derived from the abbreviation “H” for helicopter and the word “dog,” which is often used as a term of endearment or familiarity.

For example, a person might say, “I’ll be arriving in an H-Dog, so keep an eye out for me.”
In a conversation about military aircraft, someone might mention, “H-Dogs are an essential part of our air support.”
A helicopter pilot might refer to their aircraft as an H-Dog, saying, “I love flying my trusty H-Dog.”

16. Blade

This term refers to the rotating part of a helicopter that generates lift and allows it to fly. The blades are attached to the rotorhead and spin rapidly to create the necessary lift.

For example, a pilot might say, “The blades are in good condition and ready for takeoff.”
When discussing helicopter design, someone might mention, “The number and shape of the blades greatly impact the helicopter’s performance.”
In a conversation about helicopter safety, a person might emphasize, “Always stay clear of the blades when approaching or exiting the helicopter.”

17. Whirlychicken

This is a playful and informal term used to refer to a helicopter. It combines the words “whirly” (referring to the sound of the rotor) and “chicken” (a humorous way to describe the aircraft’s appearance or behavior).

For instance, someone might say, “Look, it’s a whirlychicken!” while pointing at a helicopter in the sky.
In a lighthearted conversation about aviation, a person might ask, “Who wants to go for a ride in the whirlychicken?”
When discussing helicopter tours, a tour guide might say, “Hop aboard the whirlychicken for an unforgettable experience!”

18. Hopper

This term is sometimes used to refer to a helicopter, especially in military or aviation contexts. It emphasizes the helicopter’s ability to transport people or cargo by “hopping” from one location to another.

For example, a soldier might say, “We’re waiting for the hopper to arrive and extract us from the battlefield.”
In a conversation about military operations, someone might mention, “The hoppers played a crucial role in deploying troops to the front lines.”
A helicopter pilot might refer to their aircraft as a hopper when saying, “I’ll be flying the hopper on the next mission.”

19. Rotorhead

This term is often used to describe someone who is a dedicated fan or enthusiast of helicopters. It refers to the main rotating part of a helicopter, the rotor, which is essential for flight.

For instance, a person might say, “As a rotorhead, I love everything about helicopters – their design, capabilities, and history.”
In a discussion about aviation hobbies, someone might mention, “Rotorheads often enjoy building model helicopters and flying them.”
When talking about helicopter events or gatherings, a person might say, “The rotorhead community is coming together for a helicopter expo this weekend.”

20. Heli-copter

This playful variation of the word “helicopter” emphasizes the distinct sound made by the aircraft’s rotor. It is often used in casual conversations or when trying to add a touch of humor.

For example, someone might say, “I heard a heli-copter overhead and looked up to see it flying by.”
In a light-hearted discussion about aviation, a person might ask, “Have you ever been on a heli-copter ride? It’s quite an experience!”
When talking about helicopter tours, a tour guide might say, “Step aboard the heli-copter for a breathtaking aerial adventure!”

21. Whop-whop

Whop-whop is an onomatopoeic term that imitates the sound made by helicopter blades as they rotate. It is often used to describe the distinct noise produced by a helicopter in flight.

For example, a person might say, “I heard the whop-whop of a helicopter overhead.”
In a discussion about aviation, someone might mention, “The whop-whop of a helicopter is unmistakable.”
A person describing a helicopter landing might say, “The whop-whop grew louder as the helicopter approached.”