Axis: The center vertical line around which one's balance is maintained.

Barrida (Sweep): When one pushes or drags their partner's foot with their own foot.

Cadencia (Rhythm): A syncopated step.

Cruzada (Crossing): When the left foot crosses over the right foot.

Gancho (Hook): When a dancer hooks a leg sharply around either the inside or the outside of their partner's leg, by bending and releasing the knee.

Milonga: The dance salon where people go to dance tango; a tango dance and party.

Molinete (Circle): "Windmill" a turning figure of the follower around the leader.

Mordida (Sandwiche): When one's foot is sandwiched between the partner's feet.

Ocho (Eights): To draw figure eights by pivoting either forward or backward with feet together.

Resolucion (Resolution): The end of the basic pattern (steps 6, 7, 8).

Sacada (Remove): To displace by moving your partner's leg with your own foot or leg.

Salida: The beginning of the pattern. Salida means "exit"; from the verb salir, which means "to exit" or "to go out" as in “¿Salimos a bailar?” (Shall we go out to the dance floor and dance?).

Voleo (Vollying): When one knee is bent behind the other knee, and with a quick whipping motion, is pivoted or swiveled on the supporting leg. Also called boleo.