Poi Moves vs Tricks vs Patterns

When are you learning poi moves versus poi tricks or poi patterns? This is a question I was asked several months ago and in trying to answer it I realized it had more layers than I'd originally thought. Here I try to get to the bottom of how these terms are used, when they're used, for what concepts they're appropriate, and how things like poi dance and tech poi have influenced my answers!
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[@abarusso]

Interesting perspective. In linguistics, we try to first observe how people use words, as opposed to assigning a definition to a word just because it exists (cause humans don't use the language in a logical manner and the meaning of words vastly overlap). In my experience, in this case, I'd be tempted to say people use "moves" and "tricks" pretty much interchangeably. The only difference would be that tricks cease to be tricks once they become "too easy" or pretty much a prerequisite to another poi move. Like, I'd consider a 3-beat weave a trick for the first months of spinning, but I'd just call it a move now. However, any "trick" would also be a "move", no matter how hard it is. As far as "patterns" go, I'd say I've heard people use that word to refer to any repeatable, and repeated, series of poi moves. From the simple waist wrap to the long Russian-style patterns you mentioned. I think the key here to define it is probably repetition.

[@fan_juggler]

In Russian spinning terminology we mostly use the word literally meaning 'element' which roughly corresponds to 'trick' in your terminology, hence in the challenges they translate it as 'tricks'. The term 'patterns' is not really used there at all except in 'juggling patterns'. And then we have another word literally meaning 'move' which well correspond to your definition as something already moving but not a trick yet. Well, and then we actually have a word 'trick' but that really refers to something circus-like, juggling trick or something, not just a weave or flower. So it's complected and often lost in translation :)

[@omerlewy]

Another way look at it :
Letters - tricks
Syllables - moves (tricks with a "sound")
Patterns - words
Sentences - combos?

[@MilipTichaelPhomas]

Underrated comment; Perhaps develop this idea, explaining the elements that qualify categorical placement

[@LoganKearsley]

An excellent dive into practical lexicography & terminology.

[@fallenmercury]

The mindset of calling poi techniques 'moves' really set me back for years. I kept watching glowstringing tutorials and the mindset of individual "moves" ruined my overall flow. Instead of being free to move around and transition, I learned random "moves" from tutorials yet couldn't do basic turns, wheels or anything that let me be open. I feel as if poi is language I was learning sentences before knowing what the words actually meant.

[@matthewgillam-lewis6831]

What if we replaced “moves” with “movements”. I know, we hate to make terms longer! But hear me out: a “movement” has a lot more expansive and descriptive possibilities. A “move” is discreet, isolated, fixed; think of a move in a video game, a chess move, or a tactical move. In contrast, a “movement” necessarily implies flow, it’s changing, evolving, part of a larger process; think of a musical movement, a social or political movement, or the narrative movement of a story. Movements are unique, but not static. They are recognizable and definable, but are embedded in a larger whole. A flow performance, after all, isn’t comprised of discrete and individual units (I mean, some are, and they’re boring); instead, flow performance is composed of a series of *movements* which build, or weave together, or drive the creative expression of the performer. . . . At least, that’s my pitch. Let’s start the movement movement! Haha. . . . What you think about that? 😄

[@DZHOY]

Great video concept!

[@allmighty736]

Yeah! Trick, Trickster Deception often relates to magic illusion. Yes poi is magical, I guess it would be a poi move that can be tricky. A butterfly is an illusion so I that would be a poi trick???

[@smalls_npa]

Literally literal literature 😬 (sorry couldn't help myself)