Welcome. Herp is a shortened form of herpetology, which is the branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians.

Here are a couple links that may help you out on terminology as well...
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules...._content&eid=1
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=31102
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=30763

If you still have a specific question just ask.