f you’ve recently stepped into the world of couponing, you’ve probably seen abbreviations and phrases that make you feel like you’re decoding a secret language. Terms like BOGO, OOP, MQ, and stacking may sound confusing at first, but they’re key to maximizing your savings. This guide will walk you through coupon lingo—a must-know glossary for every deal hunter.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your strategy, understanding couponing language can save you time, money, and help you navigate deal sites, Facebook groups, and store policies with confidence.
Why Coupon Lingo Matters
Couponing communities, blogs, and store ads often use shorthand to describe deals quickly. Knowing this lingo allows you to:
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Understand and maximize savings opportunities
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Follow coupon matchups and breakdowns
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Communicate in couponing forums and groups
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Avoid costly mistakes at checkout
Let’s decode the most common couponing terms used in 2025 and beyond.
Essential Coupon Lingo Glossary
1. BOGO – Buy One, Get One
You buy one product and get another either free or at a discount (e.g., BOGO 50% off).
2. OOP – Out of Pocket
The amount you actually pay after all coupons, discounts, and rebates are applied.
3. MQ / MFR Q – Manufacturer Coupon
A coupon issued by the product manufacturer. These can typically be used at any retailer that accepts manufacturer coupons.
4. SQ / SC – Store Coupon / Store Credit
Issued by the store and only valid at that specific chain (e.g., Target Circle offers or CVS ExtraBucks).
5. IP – Internet Printable
Coupons that you can print from online sources like Coupons.com or SmartSource.
6. Catalina
A coupon that prints at the register after a purchase, often triggered by buying specific products.
7. Stacking
Using more than one coupon type on a single item. For example, stacking a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon.
8. Peelie
A coupon found stuck directly onto a product. You can peel it off and use it at checkout.
9. Blinkie
Coupons that come out of a small blinking machine attached to shelves in stores.
10. Tear Pad
A pad of coupons you can tear off, usually found near the product display.
Advanced Coupon Terms
11. Rolling Rewards
Using rewards earned from one transaction to pay for another (e.g., Walgreens Register Rewards).
12. YMMV – Your Mileage May Vary
A reminder that deals and coupon acceptance can vary by store or region.
13. PM – Price Match
Refers to matching a competitor’s price at a store that honors price matches.
14. Expired Couponing (XC)
Using recently expired coupons where stores have a grace period (only applies in some stores).
15. Glitch Deal
An unintentional deal or pricing error caused by system quirks or coupon stacking tricks.
16. Penny Item
A product that rings up for $0.01 due to clearance drops, especially common at Dollar General.
Common Deal Lingo Breakdown Example:
“At Target this week: Buy 2 Dove body washes (BOGO), use (2) $2 MQs, stack with $5 SQ gift card promo. Final OOP: $0.50 each!”
Translation:
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You’re buying two Dove body washes.
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One is free (BOGO).
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You’re using two $2-off manufacturer coupons.
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There’s also a store promotion giving a $5 gift card.
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Your final out-of-pocket cost is $0.50 per item.
Tips for Learning the Lingo Faster
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Follow couponing blogs and Facebook groups
Engage with posts where people break down their hauls and explain their savings. -
Use a lingo cheat sheet
Bookmark or print this post so you can refer back when you see a new term. -
Watch YouTube couponers
Many creators walk through their shopping trips using coupon terminology. -
Practice with smaller deals
Start with a store like Walgreens or CVS, which have frequent stackable offers and reward systems.
Final Thoughts
Learning coupon lingo is like unlocking a secret code to savings. The more terms you learn, the easier it becomes to spot deals, stack offers, and shop smarter. Keep this guide handy and you’ll be couponing like a pro in no time!