The Evolution of Shroom Slang and Tripping Terminology

For centuries, humans have consumed small brown mushrooms, often leading to transformative psychedelic encounters. Throughout this extensive period, individuals have coined various words to describe these experiences, the fungi themselves, and the emotions they evoke. Across different cultures, unique terminologies have developed to represent magic mushrooms and the profound states they elicit.

This article aims to familiarize you with some essential terms from the widespread shroom slang vocabulary, encompassing everything magic mushroom!

The beginnings of shroom slang in the Western World

Pinpointing exactly who, or what, kick-started the beginning of shroom slang and terminology is difficult to say with certainty. Nevertheless, many claim that “Life Magazine” was the first to introduce the words “Magic Mushrooms” into the Western lexicon through their articles and interviews.

In 1957, the magazine published an article written by Wasson, an amateur mycologist who also happened to be the vice president of JP Morgan at the time. This article was based on a 1955 psilocybin ceremony he attended in Oaxaca, where Wasson consumed psilocybin mushrooms under the guidance of the famous Mazatec curandera, Maria Sabina. 

A plethora of names for magic mushrooms

There are over 200 mushroom species known to contain psychedelic compounds, of which 180 contain the psychedelic compounds referred to as psilocybin and psilocin. Each of these species has its own unique Latin name, which mycologists utilize not only for identification & categorization. 

Among the most common magic mushrooms is Psilocybe cubensis. This particular mushroom falls under the genus Psilocybe, which encompasses the largest number of psychedelic mushrooms. The term "cubensis" indicates the specific species, and within the Psilocybe genus alone, there are at least 245 distinct species, not all of which contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin.

Regardless of the species, the majority psychedelic mushrooms are commonly grouped together as "Magic Mushrooms" in Western popular culture. Nevertheless, this is not the sole slang term used to refer to these hallucinogenic fungi. Here is a list of commonly used slang for magic mushrooms:

• Shrooms

• Caps

• Mushies

• Boomers

• Purple Passion

• Cubes

It is important to take into account that individual magic mushroom strains can also have their own nicknames, as well as several varieties within the strain. Here are some examples:

• Golden Caps

• Blue Meanies - Panaeolus Cyanescens 

• Penis Envy - Albino Penis Envy, Trans Penis Envy, Number 6 

Shroom Tripping Slang 

Can an experience truly be understood without the words to articulate it? Psychonauts possess their unique vocabulary to depict the expansive realm of psychedelia. Although the terminology may overlap with that of other psychedelics, the actual encounters associated with these terms can greatly differ among substances. In the realm of magic mushrooms, there is a handful of noteworthy terms to familiarize yourself with:

Tripping

"Tripping" serves as a comprehensive expression encompassing the range of sensations, encounters, visual perceptions, and hallucinations that transpire following the ingestion of psychedelic substances such as mushrooms. The term "trip" has been in use since the late 1920s and gained significant popularity during the psychedelic wave of the 1960s. Interestingly enough, there are even accounts of the U.S. Army employing the word "tripping" throughout their experimentation with psychedelics in training.

Dubbed as a "trip," this term mirrors the profound sensation experienced by psychonauts as psychedelic substances propel them into alternate realms, dimensions, mental states, or landscapes, akin to embarking on an extensive odyssey and eventually returning to the realm of reality as the effects of the drug gradually dissipate.

Flipping

In the realm of psychedelic adventures, the art of flipping emerges, representing the fusion of MDMA with other mind-altering substances. Flipping, a term seldom uttered in isolation, finds its true potency when accompanied by additional slang terms, unveiling the specific psychedelic counterpart. Hippie Flipping intertwines the realms of psilocybin mushrooms and MDMA, while Candyflipping merges the cosmic forces of LSD and MDMA. 

However, let it be known that with each additional ingredient incorporated into this psychedelic elixir, the risk escalates. Unwanted drug interactions lurk in the shadows, potentially leading to dire consequences in certain circumstances. Thus, navigating the intricate web of substance combinations demands utmost caution and respect, for one's safety and well-being.

Bad trip 

A bad trip, also known as a challenging psychedelic experience, refers to an adverse psychological reaction that can occur when consuming classic hallucinogens. Instances of acute intoxication, psychedelic crisis, or emergence phenomenon can lead to intense anxiety, confusion, agitation, and even brief episodes of psychosis. However, through careful screening, adequate preparation, and supportive environments, these distressing encounters can often be mitigated and their impact minimized.

Shroom Stomach

Shroom stomach is a distinct non-psychological symptom that may arise after consuming mushrooms. This discomfort stems from the fact that raw mushrooms possess resilient cell walls that are challenging for human digestion, thereby giving rise to these gastrointestinal symptoms. Common side effects such as nausea, cramps, stomach pains, and occasionally vomiting can be experienced following the ingestion of magic mushrooms. Typically, within 20 to 40 minutes after consumption, the fungi traverses the intestinal tract, triggering the onset of shroom stomach. 

However, there are alternative methods for consuming magic mushrooms which can help combat this symptom. This includes: mushroom chocolates, mushroom teas, mushroom drops, mushroom capsules, and many more. 

Ego Death

Ego Death, is a phrase that is commonly used to refer to the profound vanishing of personal self-identity. This marks the dissolution of one's sense of self, encompassing both body and mind. This extraordinary encounter is intricately linked to the realm of "mystical-type" experiences induced by psilocybin mushrooms. However, it typically necessitates a significantly high dosage of magic mushrooms to attain this transformative effect.

Visuals

Visuals encompass the distortions and hallucinations that unfold within your visual and cognitive perception following the intake of psychedelics. These manifestations range from gentle fluctuations like trees appearing to sway and vivid saturated colors, to intricate shapes and patterns that persist even when your eyes are closed. In the case of psilocybin, visuals tend to augment reality, causing object edges to blur, move, or shift.

Key Takeaways

Familiarizing yourself with some shroom slang can help you in your process of  comprehending the science, culture, and encounters associated with psilocybin. Remember though, that you must exercise with caution when sourcing, dosing, and testing mushrooms. While there is no foolproof method for risk-free experimentation with psilocybin, familiarity with the language can prove beneficial in your overall understanding and experience with said magical mushrooms. 

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