A
A/O: Common abbreviation (on auction sites and doll lists) means "all original."
AMERICAN GIRL: The quintessential mid-1960s Barbie, with a page boy hairdo and bendable legs. Perfect look for the 1600s series fashions. Produced in 1965 and 1966.
B
BARBARA MILLICENT ROBERTS: Barbie's real, full name!
BARBIE BAZAAR: Magazine about Barbie (and other fashion dolls to some extent) sanctioned by Mattel.
BFMC: Barbie Fashion Model Collection.
BOOK VALUE: The value of your doll in a price guide; NOT the value you can expect when you sell your doll either on the internet or to a dealer.
BUBBLE CUT: Barbie's second hair style, cut close around her head like a little "bubble"; available from 1961 to 1967.
BUTT MARKINGS: If you are describing a Barbie doll, either vintage or modern, and someone asks you for its "butt markings" they aren't being rude! They are asking for the manufacturer's marks, generally located on the dolls, err, behind, that help to identify the doll.
C
C GRADING SYSTEM: Doll grading system proposed by Barbie expert A.Glenn Mandeville. C-10 is factory mint and NRFB; C-1 is poor; maybe only part of doll or outfit salvageable for use elsewhere.
CASE: Device made to hold dolls and doll clothing. In the 1960s, traditionally vinyl. Now, more likely to be hard plastic or a "trunk."
COLLECTIBLE LINE BARBIE: Barbies made for adult collectors of fashion dolls, as opposed to "play line" or "pink box" dolls.
COLLECTOR EDITION: In 2000, these Barbies will be produced in editions of at least 35,000 with no upper-limit on doll production. Includes Pop Culture Series, 40th Anniversary Series, Birthday Series and more.
D
DEBOXING: Taking the collectible fashion dolls (especially Barbie!) OUT of their boxes! Not normally done because of the fear that the doll will lose most of its value once this is done.
DEPARTMENT STORE SPECIAL: Doll made exclusively for a department store or big-box retailer.
DRESSED DOLL: Fashion Doll which is normally available in a "standard" version which is sold dressed in an outfit--Barbies came this way in the 1960s (most came in swimsuits, but some were sold "dressed" and most Genes are sold this way (although a "Simply Gene" in swimsuit is available). Lingerie Barbies will be available in Lingerie AND as "dressed dolls."
E
EXCELLENT CONDITION: Doll that is not quite mint (see below) but has no major flaws. Perhaps dress is not as crisp as a totally mint doll, or a tag is missing, or there is the slightest body ding, or not all the toe nail polish is quite there, etc.
F
FAIR CONDITION: A very loved and played with doll with major flaws.
FRIEND: A "friend" is another doll added to a line of successful fashion dolls; can usually share the dolls clothing but not always. Friends of Barbie include Ken, Skipper, Stacey, Midge and many others. Gene has a new friend in 2000, "Madra Lord."
G
GOOD CONDITION: Doll has been very loved and played with; still, no major flaws (like a hip that swings) but doll can have several minor flaws. Still, doll can be displayed.
GREEN EAR: Condition that happens to early 1960s vintage Barbies--the metal in the earrings that came with the dolls oxidize, and turn the ears "green" This is a condition that is difficult to remove.
H
HTF: Common abbreviation at online auctions and doll lists; means 'Hard To Find."
