Glossary
The language of luxury buying, in plain English.
Cars, watches, yachts, aircraft and audio each have their own shorthand. Here is what the common terms mean. You don't need to know them to use Tailyr, because it understands the jargon either way.
Cars
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| LAF | Shorthand for the Ferrari LaFerrari, a limited-production hybrid hypercar. |
| PTS | Paint to Sample. A factory-commissioned colour outside the standard palette, most associated with Porsche. |
| PCCB | Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes. An option with real cost implications to replace. |
| PDK | Porsche's dual-clutch automatic gearbox. |
| Chrono Pack | The Porsche Sport Chrono Package, with a dashboard stopwatch and driving-mode functions. |
| Touring | A Porsche 911 GT3 variant without the fixed rear wing. |
| SVJ | Superveloce Jota. A high-performance Lamborghini Aventador variant. |
| V5C | The UK vehicle registration certificate, often called the logbook. |
| Provenance | The documented history of a car: ownership, servicing and where it has been. |
| VIN | Vehicle identification number, which should match the documents and the car. |
| Off-market | Sold privately without being publicly advertised. |
| Mandate | Written authority for someone to act on an owner's behalf in a sale. |
Watches
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Full set | A watch with its original box and papers. |
| Reference | The model's reference number, which identifies the exact variant. |
| Papers | The warranty card or certificate supplied with a watch. |
| Pepsi | A Rolex GMT-Master with a red and blue bezel. |
| Hulk | The green-dial, green-bezel Rolex Submariner Date. |
| Panda dial | A white dial with black subdials, as on some Rolex Daytonas. |
| Unworn | A watch that has not been worn since purchase, ideally with evidence. |
| Service history | The record of a watch's maintenance. |
| Complication | Any function beyond telling the time, such as a chronograph or perpetual calendar. |
Yachts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| APA | Advance provisioning allowance. A sum paid on top of the charter rate to cover fuel, food, drink and running costs. |
| Crewed charter | Chartering a yacht with its captain and crew. |
| Gratuity | A discretionary tip for the crew, often 10 to 15 per cent of the charter rate. |
| MYBA | The Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association, whose standard charter contract is widely used. |
| Tender | A smaller boat carried by a yacht to move guests ashore or to water activities. |
| Expedition charter | A charter built around a remote destination, often needing permits and guides. |
Aircraft
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Empty leg | A one-way positioning flight an operator must make anyway, sometimes offered at a reduced price. |
| AOC | Air Operator's Certificate. The approval a company needs to operate commercial flights. |
| Light jet | A small private jet for short trips and few passengers. |
| Mid-size jet | A private jet with more cabin and range than a light jet. |
| Operator | The company that actually runs the aircraft and holds the approvals. |
| FBO | Fixed-base operator. A private terminal and handling service at an airport. |
Audio
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DAC | Digital-to-analogue converter, turning digital music into the signal an amplifier uses. |
| Streamer | A device that plays music from a network or service. |
| Pre/power | A separate preamplifier and power amplifier. |
| MC cartridge | A moving-coil phono cartridge, needing a suitable phono stage. |
| Ex-demo | Equipment previously used for demonstration. |
| Synergy | How well the parts of a system work together. |
Glossary questions, answered
What does LAF mean?
LAF is shorthand for the Ferrari LaFerrari.
What is an APA on a yacht charter?
APA means advance provisioning allowance: a sum paid on top of the charter rate to cover fuel, food, drink and running costs.
What is an empty leg flight?
An empty leg is a one-way positioning flight an operator has to make anyway, sometimes offered at a reduced price.
What does full set mean for a watch?
A full set means the watch comes with its original box and papers.
Say it your way
You don't need to know the jargon. Tailyr understands it either way.
Also from Tailyr
Definitions are general guides. Confirm exact meanings and specifications with the supplier. Tailyr is an introduction service. Nothing is bought or sold on Tailyr, and suppliers are independent businesses responsible for their own listings, sales, payment and aftercare. Tailyr does not give financial, legal or tax advice. Results are generated automatically, so verify details with the supplier. Available in the UK to adults aged 18 and over. Brand names are used only to describe what buyers ask for and imply no affiliation.