Much of Guardsman culture around the world overlaps with general culture. In some situations, specific slang or idioms were created that have carried forward and, in several cases, even jumped into mainstream use. Here are a list of terms used in the Guardsmen'verse that are particular to Guardsman culture:

• Showing the paw = giving attitude, causing trouble

• heel biters = young, fully manifested Protectors, usually between the ages of 10 and 15

• nose-on = hands on

• dog-headed = silly, playful; living in the moment

• Pack-in / set up pack = Guardsmen puppy pile, usually done by polyamorous groups of Guardsmen but also by young Protectors to help someone on the cusp fully manifest

• lay-in = when a bonded pair live together with the Protector in their shifted form for an extended period of time. Usually is part of the honeymoon stage after bonding, but sometimes done as part of couples counseling

• On the cusp = exhibiting behavior suggesting that manifestation is immanent.

• Give a long leash = describes a Handler giving their Protector a chance to live a more independent life (e.g. allowing their Protector to attend college, for instance)

• Herd like a Protector = a specifically New Zealand Guardsmen term that has crossed into widespread use in most English speaking countries and is used to describe any person trying to accomplish something with no success. (ref. New Zealand history)

• Man-Handler = usually referring to a Handler who "herds" mundane people around as easily they herd their own Protector; a Guardsman (Handler or Protector) who is charismatic and works well with mundane people.

• Dollars to dog-bones = a sure thing

• Tongue-lolling = lusting after and/or chasing after someone you are attracted to