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posterized

When a defender is dunked over so spectacularly that the moment becomes a poster — they've been "put on a poster."

ˈpoʊs.tər.aɪzdDocumented since 1980s1980sGen Xhistorical157 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Born ~1980 · no dated citations yet
1980BornToday, 2026

Definitions

#1·Apr 26, 2026

When a defender is dunked over so spectacularly that the moment becomes a poster — they've been "put on a poster."

"He got posterized by Vince Carter in 2000."
Origin: Basketball slang from the late 1980s/90s, when posters of dunks were major NBA marketing.
For parents

Posterized means: When a defender is dunked over so spectacularly that the moment becomes a poster - they've been "put on a poster.". There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. 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

posterized means: When a defender is dunked over so spectacularly that the moment becomes a poster - they've been "put on a poster.". Register: neutral, standard English. 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: fake
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For specific readers

Posterized means: When a defender is dunked over so spectacularly that the moment becomes a poster - they've been "put on a poster.". There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. 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.

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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