Kegling means: An old-fashioned American term for bowling, particularly popular in the early-to-mid 20th century. A 'kegler' was a bowler, and 'kegling' was the act of bowling, especially in the context of league. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. It is sporting vocabulary and harmless in itself. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
kegling
An old-fashioned American term for bowling, particularly popular in the early-to-mid 20th century.
Definitions
#1·Apr 28, 2026
An old-fashioned American term for bowling, particularly popular in the early-to-mid 20th century. A 'kegler' was a bowler, and 'kegling' was the act of bowling, especially in the context of league play. The term has a charmingly dated quality now, evoking smoky bowling alleys, rented shoes, and post-war leisure culture. Still occasionally used by nostalgic sports writers or when someone wants to give bowling a bit of vintage flair.
Saturday nights were for kegling — the whole neighbourhood had teams at the Riverside Lanes.
Origin: From German 'Kegel' (skittle, bowling pin); brought to America by German immigrants in the 19th century. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
For parents
Kegling means: An old-fashioned American term for bowling, particularly popular in the early-to-mid 20th century. A 'kegler' was a bowler, and 'kegling' was the act of bowling, especially in the context of league. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. It is sporting vocabulary and harmless in itself. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
For ESL learners
kegling means: An old-fashioned American term for bowling, particularly popular in the early-to-mid 20th century. A 'kegler' was a bowler, and 'kegling' was the act of bowling, especially in the. Register: dated, informal. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
Cluster: mediocre
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#2·Apr 27, 2026
(US, dated) The game of bowling.
Cluster: general
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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